In the heart of northern Uganda, where the sun blazes relentlessly and the winds carry whispers of hope, there exists a man named Francis Kigozi. He’s not a doctor, nor a nurse, but his impact on the lives of children suffering from Burkitt’s lymphoma at St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor is immeasurable.
Francis, a seasoned truck driver from Wakiso district, spends his days navigating rugged roads, transporting goods across the region. But it was during one of his routine trips that he stumbled upon a truth that would change his life forever. At Lacor Hospital, he witnessed the resilience of young patients battling Burkitt’s lymphoma—a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects children and the courage of many other little ones in the children’s ward.
Moved by their courage, Francis decided to take action. He saved money from his earnings and collected warm jackets—soft, comforting shields against the biting cold nights. These jackets weren’t just pieces of fabric; they were symbols of love, resilience, and solidarity.
For more than 3 years, Francis has been coming to Lacor with different gifts ranging from sugar, soap, milk and jackets. Yesterday, he stood in the hospital courtyard, surrounded by children with bright eyes and fragile bodies. He handed out jackets—one by one—each gesture accompanied by a smile, a whispered prayer, and a promise of better days ahead. The children wrapped themselves in warmth, their faces lighting up like sunflowers reaching for the sky.
The impact of Francis’s gift extended beyond the hospital walls. Parents were full of gratitude, nurses exchanged knowing glances, and the children—oh, the children—felt a little less alone. The jackets became more than fabric; they became shields against despair, tokens of hope.
We honor this unsung hero—the man who drives more than trucks, who carries compassion in his heart. Francis reminds us that kindness knows no boundaries, that even in the toughest journeys, we can make a difference.
