47-year-old Yasenta is a small scale farmer, living with her husband in a three room mud house in Uganda. Yasenta’s husband is also a farmer.
Over 20 years ago, Yasenta began to experience troubling symptoms, starting with a swelling in her neck. At first, the swelling was small and painless, but over time, it has increased in size. Yasenta tried using herbs, but they did nothing to help. Now, she is thirsty most of the time, and she can no longer carry loads on her head, because of the pain caused by the swelling. In addition, she develops fevers and blockages in her ears, and the condition has impacted her self esteem and confidence.
When Yasenta finally went to the hospital to be evaluated, she was diagnosed with a nodular goiter, that if left untreated, could become cancerous. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is seeking $333 to fund the thyroidectomy that Yasenta is scheduled to undergo on October 14th, at Rushoroza Hospital. After the surgery, Yasenta should be able to continue her work as a farmer, and to feel more comfortable and confident in her life.
Yasenta says: “I had lost hope of living a normal life again. I believe that I will be able to look normal again and live a better and more productive life after surgery.”