Lydia is a 58-year-old small-scale farmer from Uganda. She lost her husband in June 2022, leaving her with five children. She had six children in total but lost one. Lydia had to stop her education after completing primary school because her family could not afford the fees. Her oldest child is now 38 and also missed out on schooling for the same reason. Her youngest child, who is 22, is currently attending university and is the only one to reach that level of education. They live in a three-room mud house.
Over the past five years, Lydia has faced serious health issues, including trouble breathing and a swelling in her neck that has been growing. At first, she thought it was a temporary problem and tried using herbal remedies, which did not help. After having her six children, her condition worsened, and she was diagnosed with a thyroid condition. Now, she struggles to carry any weight on her head and occasionally has difficulty breathing. Though surgery has been advised, her family cannot afford it. Lydia needs this surgery to prevent her health from deteriorating further.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Lydia receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on September 19th at our medical partner’s care center, Rushoroza Hospital, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. Now, Lydia needs help to fund this $333 procedure.
Lydia says, “I am grateful to be considered for this medical treatment opportunity. After recovery, I look forward to living a normal life once again, and continue with my farming work as soon as possible.”