Dallen is a 17-year-old hardworking and polite young woman from Uganda. She is the eldest of four children, one sister and two brothers, all still in school.
Three years ago, shortly after completing primary 7 and joining senior 1, Dallen started experiencing some swelling under the armpit and paralysis in her right arm, making it difficult to write. As a result, she was forced to drop out of school. A few months later, while bathing, she noticed a swelling in her breast. She visited a nearby clinic, where she was given oral medication and experienced some improvement.
Determined to help her small-scale farmer parents, she found work as a housemaid to contribute towards her younger siblings’ school fees. However, in February this year, the swelling reappeared, this time more severe. She began experiencing other alarming symptoms, including paralysis around the affected area, pins-and-needles pain radiating to her back, and continued weakness in her right arm.
Dallen sought help at the nearest government health facility, where she was given painkillers and advised to visit a larger hospital. She came to our medical partner’s care center, Karoli Lwanga Nyakibale Hospital, where doctors examined her and conducted a scan, which revealed a small solid lesion in her right breast. Concerned, the surgeon recommended a biopsy to rule out cancer. With her parents’ support, she traveled to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, where the biopsy was done. Thankfully, the results confirmed it was not cancerous. Dallen was diagnosed with a solid right breast mass and a surgical excision was recommended. Unfortunately, her parents cannot afford the cost of the surgery and now appeal for support to help Dallen access the treatment she needs, so she can regain her health.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Dallen receive treatment. On August 12th, she will undergo a mass excision surgery, to alleviate her painful symptoms. Now, Dallen’s family needs help to fund this $188 procedure.
Dallen’s parents say, “Our daughter has been in pain for quite a long time, this gets us worried because at the time she was working, she was supportive in helping us pay her siblings’ school fees. We kindly request your support so she can get treatment.”