Peninah is a 59-year-old woman from Uganda. She and her husband are farmers, cultivating Irish potatoes, beans, and millet to support their family of six children. Two of her sons are now employed, one as a teacher and the other as a shop attendant. Her daughters are all still in school, pursuing their education.
15 years ago, Peninah began to experience uncomfortable symptoms, including swelling on the front of her neck. Although it was initially painless, her condition worsened significantly about four months ago. She began experiencing a dry mouth, persistent headaches, neck pain, and shortness of breath, especially when lying down to rest. She also found it increasingly difficult to breathe after walking long distances. This prompted her to seek medical care.
Peninah was referred to our medical partner’s care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital, where she was diagnosed with non-toxic multinodular goiter, which is an abnormal swelling of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in front of the neck and produces thyroid hormones, which are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. To prevent her symptoms from worsening, she will need a thyroidectomy - a surgery to remove part or all of her thyroid gland.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Peninah receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on November 9th, and this procedure will cost $252. Peninah and her family need your help raising the funds for her surgery and care.
Peninah says, “I’ve travelled from so far, hoping for help. I can’t afford the money they need for my surgery, yet every day that passes, I drown deep and deep in pain. I kindly appeal to you for support for the success of my surgery.”