Nyamaizi is a 51-year-old mother from Uganda. She and her husband have four children, and they have taken responsibility for five additional orphans. They feed and pay for schooling for all nine children. As peasant farmers, Nyamaizi and her husband don’t have much money, but they have enough for their family to survive on.
Seven years ago Nyamaizi noticed a small lump, called a lipoma mass, growing just under the surface of her skin on her right gluteal. Since then, the lipoma has prevented her from sitting comfortably, especially on hard surfaces like wooden chairs. She has tried to reduce the swelling with medications prescribed by doctors at the hospital. She has now been advised to have the lipoma surgically removed, but she is unable to afford it. “The swelling is not painful but I am uncomfortable,” says Nyamaizi. She is worried that the lipoma may still grow, causing further discomfort.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, tells us that for $200 Nyamaizi will receive a lipoma mass excision to remove the mass. Lipomas generally do not return after they’ve been excised. The procedure is routine and has minor possible side effects of scarring or bruising. The total cost covers the excision, supplies, and two weeks of inpatient care.
Nyamaizi is very excited to have her lipoma removed, and once again be able to sit comfortably.
