Success! Florence from Uganda raised $219 to fund a hysterectomy so that she can live pain-free.

100%

$219 raised, $0 to go

$219

raised

to go

Florence's story
Florence's update

November 3, 2021

Florence is a 47-year-old farmer. She is married and a mother to five children, including a daughter who is married and works as a tailor, three sons who are in school, and another son who works as a porter. Florence works as a casual laborer and weaves mats, while her husband works as a herdsman.

For about six months, Florence has been experiencing bleeding, lower abdominal pain, and abnormal discharge. She has been diagnosed with a premalignant cervical lesion and requires surgery to remove the lesion. If not treated, the lesion could become cancerous.

Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Florence receive treatment. On November 4th, she will undergo a hysterectomy, or a procedure where surgeons will remove her uterus, at AMH’s care center. Once recovered, Florence will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Now, she needs help raising $219 to fund her procedure and care.

Florence shared, “the last six months have been difficult. I kindly ask for your support to make my surgery possible.”

Florence is a 47-year-old farmer. She is married and a mother to five children, including a daughter who is married and works as a tailor, t...

Photo of Florence post-operation

December 23, 2021

Florence underwent a hysterectomy so that she can live pain-free.

Florence successfully received a total abdominal hysterectomy treatment for her premalignant cervical lesion. After surgery, she was discharged home from the hospital in good health. The surgery reduced the chances of other complications, including cancer. She is so grateful for the support offered.

Florence says: “A big thanks goes to my donors for the great work done towards restoring my health. May the Lord continue blessing you so that you even continue helping others and saving the lives of the unable.”

Florence successfully received a total abdominal hysterectomy treatment for her premalignant cervical lesion. After surgery, she was dischar...

November 3, 2021
PROFILE SUBMITTED
Florence was submitted by Joan Kadagaya, SAFE Senior Program Coordinator at African Mission Healthcare.
November 9, 2021
PROFILE PUBLISHED
Florence's profile was published to start raising funds.
November 11, 2021
TREATMENT OCCURRED
Florence received treatment at Karoli Lwanga Hospital, Nyakibale in Uganda. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.
December 17, 2021
FULLY FUNDED
Florence's treatment was fully funded.
December 23, 2021
TREATMENT UPDATE
Florence's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 4 donors

Treatment

Total Abdominal Hysterectomy

Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis
Procedure

On average, it costs $219 for Florence's treatment

Hospital Fees

$126

Medical Staff

Medication

$17

Supplies

$59

Labs

Other

$11

Symptoms
Impact on patient's life
Cultural or regional significance

What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Symptoms vary depending on the condition that requires the total abdominal hysterectomy. If the cause is cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer, there may not be symptoms, especially if the cancer is early-stage. In more advanced cases of cervical and uterine cancers, abnormal bleeding, unusual discharge, and pelvic or abdominal pain can occur. Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include trouble eating, trouble feeling full, bloating, and urinary abnormality. If the cause is fibroids, symptoms may include heavy bleeding, pain in the pelvis or lower back, and swelling or enlargement of the abdomen.

What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

Fibroids (tumors in the uterus) can grow large, cause abdominal pain and swelling, and lead to recurring bleeding and anemia. Cancer can cause pain and lead to death.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

Cervical cancer is caused by a sexually transmitted infection called human papillomavirus (HPV), which can often occur alongside an HIV infection. As a result, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among African women in areas of high HIV prevalence. Cervical cancer is also more prevalent in Africa than in the United States due to the lack of early-detection screening programs. The other conditions treated by a total abdominal hysterectomy are not necessarily more common in Africa.

Process
Impact on patient's life
Risks and side-effects
Accessibility
Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

The patient first reports for laboratory testing. The following day, the patient undergoes surgery. After the operation, the patient stays in the hospital ward for three to four days, during which time she is continually monitored. The surgery is considered successful if the wound heals without infection, bleeding, or fever, and if the patient no longer experiences urinary dysfunction.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

In the case of uterine fibroids or early-stage cancer, a total abdominal hysterectomy is curative.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

If performed early enough, this surgery is low-risk and curative, with few side effects.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

This surgery is available, but many patients cannot afford it. Many women are screened for cervical cancer with a low-cost alternative to a pap smear. This is common in HIV treatment programs. If necessary, the woman is referred for surgery, which she often cannot afford.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

If cervical cancer is caught early enough, some minor procedures can solve the problem. Women with fibroids who still wish to have children may opt to undergo a surgery that only removes the fibroids, which is called a myomectomy.

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11-year-old Ryan lives with his mother and three siblings in Malawi. His parents are separated, and the family depends on Ryan's mother - who sells vegetables - to support their family financially. Since he was born, Ryan has been experiencing a painful swelling in a sensitive area. The swelling disappears for periods of time, but is followed by abdominal pain and fever. His mother has taken him to different health centers, where he was given medication, which didn't ultimately help. Finally, he was seen by a surgeon who was conducting a free clinic at their nearby health center who diagnosed Ryan with a left inguinal hernia. Ryan is now scheduled to undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center Nkhoma Hospital on February 7th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is seeking your help to raise the $421 needed to fund his procedure, without which Ryan will be unable to continue his schooling without interruption, and he'll continue to face potential health complications. Ryan’s mother says: “I am looking forward to seeing my son free of this condition so that he can focus on school.”

Florence's Timeline

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Funded by 4 donors

Treatment

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100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.