Benson is a 66-year-old man who is married to a loving and supportive wife, and they both earn a living through small-scale farming. They shared that farming such as theirs is hampered by poor farming methods, a lack of capital for expansion, and rapid weather changes, which makes it hard to make ends meet.
Benson is blessed with two children: a daughter and a son. His daughter is a nurse at a clinic, and his son is a casual laborer getting work where he can.
Six years ago, Benson began to experience troubling symptoms, including swelling, which caused disfigurement of his neck and caused shortness of breath due to compression of the airway. He experiences fatigue even with minor physical activity.
In the past month, Benson has experienced scapula pain, which he associates with the condition. He has not sought treatment at any medical facility due to a lack of finances. After learning about Nyakibale Hospital in his community, Benson decided to visit. He was diagnosed with thyroid goiter and thyroidectomy was recommended. He needs surgery to prevent his symptoms from getting worse.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Benson receive treatment. He is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on November 8th at our medical partner’s care center. Surgeons will remove all or part of his thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $252, and he and his family need help raising money.
Benson says, “I have suffered a lot with this condition and am afraid it will take my life one day. I appeal for your support to enable me to receive treatment and live my life again.”