Meet Kyakwera, a 32-year-old woman from Uganda. Kyakwera is married with six children.
Kyakwera has a goiter, an abnormally large swelling of the thyroid gland. The pain from the condition has forced her to stop working, and “today, Kyakwera has severe pain while swallowing saliva or any kind of food. She cannot eat properly,” shares our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF).
Goiters are often caused by a lack of iodine in the diet. While usually harmless, if they grow too large, they can impede swallowing, as is the case for Kyakwera.
Kyakwera and her husband have a very small income. “She used to work on her garden but no longer has the strength to work due to this condition,” her doctor says. Kyakwera and her husband are unable to support their large family and afford the treatment that Kyakwera needs.
$170 can fund a thyroidectomy to remove her thyroid gland. “After the surgery, Kyakwera will stop having the severe pain and she will be able to eat,” AMHF explains. “Kyakwera will be able to work and take care of her children.”
Kyakwera shares, “I am hoping to go back home without any pain.”