Roselyn Ayero’s battle with Burkitt lymphoma began when she was just 8 years old. The cancer affected her liver and caused severe pain, which initially presented as tooth and stomach pain. After months of suffering, Roselyn’s family brought her to Lacor Hospital for treatment, where doctors quickly diagnosed her with Burkitt lymphoma. Fortunately, her cancer was discovered at an early stage (Stage 1), which gave her a better chance of recovery.
In 2011, Roselyn spent six months at Lacor Hospital, undergoing treatment and surgery. The support of Lacor hospital staff and her parents played a crucial role during her recovery. During her time at the hospital, she was fortunate to benefit from the presence of EMBLEM an organization researching Burkitt Lymphoma.
Although Roselyn’s friends teased her making her believe she would die, her strength and hope never wavered. She defied the odds, emerging from her battle with cancer stronger and more determined than ever.
A Bright Future Ahead
Today, at 21 years old, Roselyn has completed her A-levels and is hopeful about attending Gulu University to continue her education. She recently visited Lacor Hospital for a review in 2025, marking a significant milestone in her long recovery.
Her story is one of courage, hope, and resilience. Roselyn’s message to others who are battling Burkitt lymphoma or any illness is simple yet powerful:
“Have courage and hope that you will recover.” She encourages those affected by cancer not to give up, and to trust in their strength and the support of their loved ones.
At the ward during her review visit, she took time to encourage the children and parents of children battling the same cancer.
Roselyn’s experience also highlights an important issue raised by Oyet David, a nursing officer at the oncology ward. He points out that the fear and stigma surrounding cancer often cause people to delay seeking treatment until the disease has reached an advanced stage, making it much harder to treat. Like Roselyn’s, early detection can save lives and lead to a full recovery.
From a painful diagnosis to a bright future ahead, Roselyn’s journey is a testament to the power of early detection, timely treatment, and the unwavering support of family and medical professionals. Today, Roselyn is living proof that, with hope and determination, even the toughest challenges can be overcome.
About Burkitt Lymphoma
Burkitt lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system. It often begins in the abdomen, but it can also affect the jaw, intestines, and other areas. This aggressive cancer is more common in children, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is often associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Historically, it’s named after Denis Parsons Burkitt an Irish surgeon who first described the disease in 1958 while working in Equatorial Guinea.
The disease progresses rapidly, but with early diagnosis and treatment, many patients, like Roselyn, can overcome it and lead normal lives. Burkitt’s lymphoma is a very aggressive cancer that affects 1.4 children out of every 100,000 and attacks the lymphatic system. Lacor is one of the few hospitals in the country where this particular kind of tumor is recognized and treated.
