I am writing with urgency to ask for your help. Fiona, one of my trusted research assistants in Uganda, has worked with me for over three years on Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) funded studies. She is a devoted mother, colleague, and community member. Today, she needs our support.

Her 7-year-old daughter, Marion, has been in hospital for over a month after a sudden and severe illness that began as food poisoning. What started as abdominal pain quickly escalated into a medical emergency. She was admitted to Lacor Hospital in Gulu, Uganda, where doctors inserted a drainage tube that revealed toxic substances in her system.

Within days, Marion’s skin turned yellow, her abdomen became swollen, and her condition worsened. Doctors diagnosed her with acute liver failure caused by toxic poisoning. In Canada, urgent surgery and advanced liver care would be immediately available. In Uganda, however, options are limited and costly.

Doctors at Lacor, supported by a physician recently arrived from the UK, have now recommended an emergency operation to remove part of her liver. Without this surgery, Marion’s life is at serious risk. However, the surgery can't be performed in Gulu and they must travel to Kampala to go to one of only two hospitals recommended by the Doctors at Lacor Hospital. Her diagnosis is Liver Necrosis and the surgery is Hepatectomy/Liver Resection.

Why we need your help:

Medical care in Uganda must often be paid for out of pocket. Fiona has already exhausted her resources trying to save her daughter. The operation, intensive hospital care, and recovery will cost far beyond what her family can afford.

Your support will:

Cover the cost of Marion’s emergency liver surgery

Pay for her hospital stay, medications, and post-surgical care

Give Marion the chance to heal and return home to her family and school

Every donation matters. Whether large or small, your contribution will directly support Marion’s lifesaving treatment. Together, we can help this little girl recover and give her back the healthy, joyful childhood she deserves.

Please consider donating and sharing this campaign with others who may be able to help.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.