Success! Ruth from Uganda raised $319 to fund life-changing surgery so she can return to her day-to-day duties.

100%

$319 raised, $0 to go

$319

raised

to go

Ruth's story
Ruth's update

March 6, 2022

Ruth is an elderly woman from Uganda. Ruth shared that she and her husband were unable to have children of their own, but her husband has a son who has been a blessing to her, as he helps care for her as much as he can. Ruth’s husband now stays home, as his farming work has become too difficult in his old age.

Since December, Ruth has been experiencing abdominal pain, gastrointestinal difficulties, and other worrisome symptoms. As a result, she cannot do strenuous work, especially lifting heavy loads. Upon review, doctors determined that she needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. If left untreated, there is a risk her symptoms will worsen significantly.

Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help Ruth receive treatment. On March 7th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at AMH’s care center. Upon recovery, Ruth will resume her daily activities free of pain. AMH is requesting $319 to fund Ruth’s surgery.

Ruth shared, “I am worried about my current condition; I no longer sleep comfortably. I feel miserable most of the time. I hope to get well through surgery and be able to resume my day-to-day duties for further sustainability of my family.”

Ruth is an elderly woman from Uganda. Ruth shared that she and her husband were unable to have children of their own, but her husband has a ...

Photo of Ruth post-operation

May 3, 2022

Ruth underwent life-changing surgery and is relieved to be feeling better.

Ruth had a successful hysterectomy treatment with our medical partner at Rushoroza Hospital. She is finally very happy and is very hopeful that she will be able to resume farming. She’s now home and doing really well.

Ruth shared, “I’d like to thank the people for helping and enabling me to access surgery because my family could not have afforded it. My family is very happy and thanks Rushoroza Hospital for giving me a chance to get help. May God reward you abundantly!”

Ruth had a successful hysterectomy treatment with our medical partner at Rushoroza Hospital. She is finally very happy and is very hopeful t...

March 6, 2022
PROFILE SUBMITTED
Ruth was submitted by Edward Mugane, Senior Impact Program Coordinator at African Mission Healthcare.
March 8, 2022
TREATMENT OCCURRED
Ruth received treatment at Rushoroza Hospital 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.
March 10, 2022
PROFILE PUBLISHED
Ruth's profile was published to start raising funds.
April 22, 2022
FULLY FUNDED
Ruth's treatment was fully funded.
May 3, 2022
TREATMENT UPDATE
Ruth's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 2 donors

Treatment

Total Abdominal Hysterectomy

Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis
Procedure

On average, it costs $319 for Ruth's treatment

Hospital Fees

$218

Medical Staff

$12

Medication

$14

Supplies

$53

Labs

Other

$16

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 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?

Most cervical cancer is caused by a sexually transmitted infection called human papillomavirus (HPV), which can often occur alongside a 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 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 only to remove the fibroids, which is called a myomectomy.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Martha is a 39-year-old mother from Kenya, the sole caregiver of her three children. Her daily work involves doing manual laundry for members within her community to support her family. Martha is very social and enjoys spending time with friends. On 17th March, Martha was crossing the road near her home when she was hit by a speeding vehicle. She sustained injuries on the left side of her body from her head, neck and hand, and an X-ray showed a closed fracture on her tibia and fibula (lower leg fractures). A CT scan of the head was done, and luckily there was no bleeding or skull fracture, only soft tissue injuries. The surgeon recommended an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) procedure, which is a type of surgery used to stabilize and heal a broken bone. Unfortunately, Martha is unable to pay for this treatment. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Martha receive treatment. On March 21st, Martha is scheduled to undergo ORIF which will aid in joining the bones together and reduce the pain, restoring the functionality of her leg. The procedure will also prevent complications like malunion, or deformity. Now, Martha needs help to fund this $1,049 procedure. Martha says, "I will appreciate the assistance very much. I have no one to help me and help my children, so I appeal for support so that I can receive treatment, be able to walk again and resume my duty of taking care of my children.”

Zanila is a four-year-old girl from Dedza District in Malawi. She is an only child in her family, and is currently enrolled in primary school. Zanila’s parents are small-scale farmers, growing maize for consumption and groundnuts for commercial purposes. Recently, Zanila had climbed a guava tree to collect some fruits when she fell, sustaining an elbow fracture. She was rushed to a nearby health center where a supracondylar fracture diagnosis was confirmed, and her family was referred to our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital for treatment. Zanila is presently in pain and unable to attend school or play with her friends. Her family is however not able to afford the surgery cost. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Zanila receive treatment. On April 9th, surgeons at Nkhoma Hospital will perform an open reduction and internal fixation surgical procedure to repair the fracture and restore functionality. Now, Zanila's family needs help to fund this $525 procedure. Zanila’s mother says, “I am looking forward to my daughter’s treatment and recovery.”

Luz is a three-year-old girl from a mining town in central Bolivia. Her mother is a farmer and her father sadly passed away from a heart attack soon after she was born. Luz has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect, in which a hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart. Blood leaks through this hole without passing through her lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her weak and dependent on an external oxygen tank. Fortunately, our medical partner, The International Cardiac Alliance can help. Luz is scheduled to undergo heart surgery on March 21st. Our medical partners are requesting $1,500 to fund her procedure. Luz's mother says, "I am looking forward to my daughter being able to play normally and start preschool after her surgery!"

Ruth's Timeline

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Funded by 2 donors

Treatment

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.