Fausta is a 64-year-old small-scale farmer from the Rukungiri district in southwestern Uganda. She is a mother to four children, including one son who works as a teacher and three married daughters who are also involved in farming. Fausta completed primary school through seventh grade, although she couldn’t proceed further due to financial constraints. She now engages in small-scale farming and primarily grows food crops for her family. She sells any surplus to generate income while her husband works as a brickmaker. Fausta said that she enjoys singing and is a member of her church’s choir.
Ten years ago, Fausta began to experience swelling in her neck as well as hoarseness of voice, shortness of breath, and paralysis of the neck veins. These symptoms have limited her capacity to carry objects on her head and have affected her ability to work effectively. Fausta was diagnosed with bilateral goiter, a type of thyroid swelling. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Fausta receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on July 11th at AMH’s care center. During the procedure, surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $252, and Fausta and her family need help raising money.
Fausta says, “I hope for a complete recovery once am operated and I also hope I will continue with farming in good health.”