Gladys is a 48-year-oold small-scale farmer from the Kanungu District in Southwestern Uganda, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. In her late 40s, she is known for her warm smile, caring nature, and sociable personality. She grew up as one of eight siblings—two brothers and five sisters. Unfortunately, her father did not prioritize education for girls, so Gladys and her sisters never attended school. Instead, she spent her childhood working on the family farm until she married at 18. Together with her husband, Gladys has two sons and six daughters, some of whom are still in school. The couple farms a small piece of land, using part of their harvest for home consumption and selling the rest to support their family.
Ten years ago, Gladys began experiencing troubling symptoms, starting with a painless swelling on the front of her neck. Over time, the symptoms worsened, including shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and painful swallowing. Although surgery was recommended at one point, she could not afford it. Recently, a friend told her about a surgical support program at our medical partner care center, Nyakibale Hospital. There, doctors conducted a thorough examination, including a scan and thyroid function tests, and diagnosed her with a non-toxic goiter. This condition affects the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck and plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, growth, and other body functions. Without surgery, her symptoms could continue to worsen.
Gladys is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on December 4th at Karoli Lwanga Hospital, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $252, and she and her family need support to raise the funds.
Gladys says, “I am hopeful that with your support, I will be operated, will get well, and will surely continue farming in good health to sustain my family.”