In a world where many struggle to access essential medical care, the greatest gift we can offer is our commitment to “providing quality, affordable, and sustainable healthcare to those in need.” This mission, inspired by the selfless work of Dr. Corti and Dr. Lucille, has been our guiding principle for 60 years.
As the new year began, hope filled the hearts of our goitre patients with many arriving as early as January 1st, eager for the life-changing surgical camp that has offered hope for many for the past two decades.
The camp kicked off on January 3rd, 2025, registering 74 patients ready for treatment with the expectation and goal of helping between 150 to 200 patients over the next three weeks according to Dr. Nyeko a general surgeon, creating a lasting impact and brighter futures for those in need.
Among the 74 patients seeking treatment is Ayoo Christine, a resilient 54-year-old widow and devoted mother of three who for the past decade faced relentless challenges of living with a goitre and being disabled, a condition that has cast a shadow on her daily life.
Yet, her struggles go beyond the physical; she has endured the unkind whispers of her community, who cruelly labeled her “Lapeko,” a term that translates to poor and helpless. Despite the weight of these words, Ayoo’s spirit remains unbroken.
She continued to rise each day with unshaken hope, determined to overcome the difficulties thrust upon her, not just for herself, but for the sake of her children who look to her for strength.
At a point, her faith began to wither, especially in the face of missing two life-altering surgeries, the burden felt insurmountable. Ayoo’s journey towards healing has been a winding path filled with obstacles.
The key to her transformation—a thyroid ultrasound—has always slipped just out of reach because of 17000 Ugx for the scan at our hospital and between 100000 to 200000 Ugx elsewhere.
For the past two years, Ayoo watched opportunities of goitre surgical camps come and go. In 2023, she found herself stranded in Labora, her home village, unable to attend due to transport issues. In 2024, the door to hope swung shut again, this time because the financial strain of affording a thyroid ultrasound proved too great. Her charcoal business, the lifeline that feeds her and her children, simply hasn’t been able to provide enough.
Ayoo’s resilience was tested with each missed chance, yet her spirit remained unbroken. She continued to juggle the demands of her business and the needs of her family, hoping that someday soon, the weight of her struggles will be lifted, and finally grasp the chance to reclaim her health.
Ayoo held onto patience and hope like a flickering flame in the dark. As the dawn of the new year approached, her heart brimmed with renewed aspiration upon hearing the announcement that a team of renowned surgeons from Italy would be arriving for a surgical camp.
Without hesitation, Ayoo and her sister, Agnes, set out for the hospital on January 1st, their spirits lifted by possibility. They registered with fervor, choosing to stay at Gang Welo as they awaited screening on the 4th of January. They were determined to leave nothing to chance, fully aware that this surgery could be the pivotal moment that could transform Ayoo’s life forever.
In the early hours of the new year, enveloped by hope and tenacity, Ayoo felt the first stirrings of change, as if the world was conspiring to grant her a second chance.
With mixed feelings, we caught up with Ayoo during her screening. She shared that she feels a blend of happiness, worry, and anxiety, which is quite normal with a life-changing opportunity. After a successful assessment, Ayoo got booked and got ready for her operation on Wednesday.
Today, as the sun rose, it brought with it the promise of a fresh start. Ayoo’s beaming smile reflects the transformation she has endured; the days of discomfort marked by a swollen neck has faded into the past. Overflowing with gratitude, she embraced the hospital staff and surgeons, pouring out her heart with a heartfelt expression: “Apwofo matek ngo ma ott yat otimo iraa, rubanga omet it wu gum.” In translation, it resonates with warmth: “Thank you for what the hospital has done for me, God bless you.” Each word danced in the air, a beautiful tribute to the care and compassion that has guided
Ayoo and her sister after surgery
her journey toward healing. Let’s take a moment and shine a spotlight on the remarkable surgeons from Italy’s University of Florence for playing a pivotal role in Lacor’s noble quest to deliver exceptional healthcare to those who need it most.
With hearts full of compassion and minds sharpened by expertise, these remarkable professionals have made a lasting mark on the community through weaving threads of hope and healing of countless lives. Their dedication shines like a beacon, reflecting a profound commitment to the well-being of others.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your extraordinary service and steadfast support in furthering the vital mission of our Hospital. Your impact is immeasurable, and your legacy will resonate for generations to come. Equally important for advocacy purposes around goitre, a condition that often lurks in the shadows, primarily due to iodine deficiency. Millions of people around the globe are affected, making it a crucial public health concern we must address.
By ensuring that our diets include adequate iodine—whether through nutrient-rich foods or iodized salt—we can work together to eliminate this silent threat. So, let’s raise our voices in celebration of these medical heroes and advocate for global health initiatives. Together, we can forge a healthier future, bringing light and wellness to communities everywhere! As for Ayoo, the weight has been lifted from her neck and life can be a neck lighter. no more stigmatization from her community. She will return to the hospital for occasional visits to monitor her recovery.
