Vasta is a 70-year-old small-scale farmer from Uganda. She grew up with one younger sister and lost both of her parents at a very young age. When their mother died, Vasta’s sister was only two months old, and Vasta took on the responsibility of caring for her. Because of this, she never had the opportunity to attend school or marry.
Through years of farming, Vasta has worked hard to support her sister’s education. Her sister later became a teacher and now helps care for Vasta. At her age, Vasta does not do much work at home, but on good days, she joins others in weeding the banana plantation. Her favorite meal is matooke served with meat or beans.
About 30 years ago, Vasta noticed a swelling at the front of her neck. For many years, it did not cause pain. Over time, however, she began to experience pain when swallowing, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath. As her symptoms worsened, Vasta sought care at a nearby government health center but was advised to seek treatment at a larger facility. Because of limited finances and temporary relief from pain medication, she was unable to follow up at that time.
Recently, when her symptoms became more severe, Vasta’s granddaughter brought her to our medical partner’s care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital. After examination and testing, doctors diagnosed her with a non-toxic multinodular goiter, an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. Doctors recommended surgery to prevent her symptoms from worsening.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is supporting Vasta’s care. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on February 3rd where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. The surgery costs $252, and Vasta and her family need support to fund her treatment.
Vasta says, “Other than this problem, I have been fine and have never had any other problem, but I believe with your support, I will be operated on and will get well.”

