Mukuru is a 52-year-old woman living in Uganda. She is a mother of six and both she and her husband work to support their family.
Mukuru has a thyroid goiter – an enlarged thyroid that causes swelling and pain.
“About three years ago, Mukuru felt a swelling in her neck but she did not think much of it,” says her doctor. “After one year, she started to experience pain.”
The goiter is also causing Mukuru to experience palpitations, difficulty eating, and disturbed sleep.
“Mukuru went to the hospital and was booked for surgery but could not raise the required amount,” our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF) tells us. Her pain has made it difficult for her to work and obtain her usual income.
For $170, she can receive a thyroidectomy to remove the enlarged part of her thyroid. This operation ensures that Mukuru’s condition cannot persist, providing her with a long-term solution.
“After the surgery, Mukuru will stop having the severe pain, palpitations, and difficulty feeding,” AMHF states. Once fully recovered, “Mukuru will be able to work and take care of her family.”
“I really want to be fine so that this pain can go away,” shares Mukuru.