Lydia is a small-scale farmer and a mother of six. Her husband is a businessman who buys and sells dry produce such as beans around their village. They own a four-room semi-permanent house for shelter. Their firstborn is now 30 years old and their youngest is nine years old and in the second grade. She proudly shared that her other children are also in school at different class levels.
One year ago, Lydia began to experience troubling symptoms, including neck pains and in October, she had airway obstruction to the extent that she could hardly breathe. She visited a health unit and managed to get relief through medication. Currently, her airway obstruction has persisted and she must have her head supported her to sleep. She has completely stopped farming due to her condition. She came to Rushoroza Hospital where tests were done after a review by the doctor she was diagnosed with a non-toxic nodular goiter. The doctor has recommended surgery but she is unable to raise the required fees. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Lydia receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on January 7th at our medical partner’s care center. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $333, and she and her family need help raising money.
Lydia says, “I hope to live a normal and free life again through the surgery. My family and I cannot afford the surgery and I pray that I may be considered for treatment.”