Nancy, a native of Kenya, lost her first husband to a road accident in 2008. After remarrying, she developed a goiter, or abnormal swelling of the thyroid gland.
As her health declined, Nancy was ejected from her new husband’s home—leaving the 34-year-old with three children to care for, and no ability to bring in an income because of her goiter.
Although she used to earn money as a casual laborer, “Nancy has not been able to attend to any work since her condition started,” explains our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF).
Nancy’s goiter, which is located on her neck, makes it difficult for her to swallow anything. “She also gets numb on her neck and has blood pressure problems,” adds AMHF. “She cannot perform even menial duties, as she also faints from time to time.” As a result, Nancy is forced to rely on donations from charitable organizations to feed and house herself and her children.
In the future, “if not treated, Nancy may develop goiter-related complications such as palpitations.”
Fortunately, Nancy’s condition is curable. For $640, we can sponsor the surgery that Nancy desperately needs, but cannot afford: a subtotal thyroidectomy. In this procedure, doctors will remove the majority of her two thyroid lobes, leaving just enough tissue to keep the gland functioning. $640 will also cover expenses for Nancy to recuperate in the hospital for three days after her operation.
Nancy looks forward to being free of her goiter so that she can return to work. “I just want to raise my children and not to rely on support for everything, including food,” she shares.
