Help Ben Fight a Brain Tumor
Donation protected
In the US a prevalent conversation, especially in the recent midterm elections, has been centered around the subject of access to healthcare. The average American is well acquainted with the sinking feeling in one’s stomach when they or a loved one learns they have a preventable condition that they simply cannot afford to take care of. Unfortunately, this is not a rare case, plaguing many countries, including Uganda, where Kiyaga Benon (Ben) lives.
Ben is a close friend to my fiancé, Josh. He has done so much to support not only Josh but all the other friends and family lucky enough to have him in their lives. He has built a reputation of being dependable, honest, and genuine. He is the kind of person who you can call in the middle of the night, stranded on the other side of Kampala and he will come get you or find you a way out. Ben takes pride in caring for his friends and family, enjoying life, and living it genuinely. You can always trust him to be honest and have your back. Now, at 23 years old, he is in a situation where he will likely face the end of his life if he does not find the money to have this surgery done. Ben has done so much for everyone around him and now we just want to return the favor and ensure that he can continue being a blessing to our world for many years to come.
On November 19th, 2018 Ben finally made it into the doctor’s office after complaining of headaches and dizziness for months. He was diagnosed with a 3.9x4.8x4.9cm brain tumor (think the size of a small lime) that is actively growing and if it is not removed in two weeks the symptoms will continue to worsen.
The estimated breakdown of expenses (see below) for the surgery alone, not including any costs of post-hospital recovery, is 20,555,000 Uganda Shillings (UGX). That is $5,502.61 in US dollars. This is due upfront before Ben can be operated on.
To put this into perspective, the average monthly income of a household in Kampala is ~976,000UGX ($287.62). The price tag for this surgery is essentially a death sentence.
Cost Breakdown
· Professional Fees (2 surgeons @ 3,000,000 each): 6,000,000UGX ($1,608.64USD)
· Theater Fees: 3,000,000ugx ($804.32USD)
· Anesthesiologist Fee: 1,000,000UGX ($268.11USD)
· Anesthesia Fee: 1,000,000UGX ($268.11USD)
· Intensive Care Unit Admission (7 days @ 1,170,000/day): 8,190,000UGX ($2,195.80USD)
· General Admission Ward (7 days @195,000/day): 1,365,000UGX ($365.97USD)
Total: 20,555,000UGX ($5,510.95UGX)
*** All additional funds raised will go towards covering expenses for Ben after he is discharged to help him get back on his feet. ***
All funds will be delivered directly to Ben in order to help him pay for the treatment as well as some additional funds to give him time to recover fully and take care of any incidentals (transportation costs, medications, last minute expenses, etc.).
The doctors have estimated that Ben needs the surgery in the next two weeks before his condition worsens and becomes unpredictable. We understand that this is a lot of money to ask for in such a short time and would greatly appreciate your help. In a season where we are enjoying Black Friday shopping and preparing for the holidays, please considering helping us out. Please spread this around to as many people as you can and help us get Ben back to a full bill of health! Every bit helps.
Ben is a close friend to my fiancé, Josh. He has done so much to support not only Josh but all the other friends and family lucky enough to have him in their lives. He has built a reputation of being dependable, honest, and genuine. He is the kind of person who you can call in the middle of the night, stranded on the other side of Kampala and he will come get you or find you a way out. Ben takes pride in caring for his friends and family, enjoying life, and living it genuinely. You can always trust him to be honest and have your back. Now, at 23 years old, he is in a situation where he will likely face the end of his life if he does not find the money to have this surgery done. Ben has done so much for everyone around him and now we just want to return the favor and ensure that he can continue being a blessing to our world for many years to come.
On November 19th, 2018 Ben finally made it into the doctor’s office after complaining of headaches and dizziness for months. He was diagnosed with a 3.9x4.8x4.9cm brain tumor (think the size of a small lime) that is actively growing and if it is not removed in two weeks the symptoms will continue to worsen.
The estimated breakdown of expenses (see below) for the surgery alone, not including any costs of post-hospital recovery, is 20,555,000 Uganda Shillings (UGX). That is $5,502.61 in US dollars. This is due upfront before Ben can be operated on.
To put this into perspective, the average monthly income of a household in Kampala is ~976,000UGX ($287.62). The price tag for this surgery is essentially a death sentence.
Cost Breakdown
· Professional Fees (2 surgeons @ 3,000,000 each): 6,000,000UGX ($1,608.64USD)
· Theater Fees: 3,000,000ugx ($804.32USD)
· Anesthesiologist Fee: 1,000,000UGX ($268.11USD)
· Anesthesia Fee: 1,000,000UGX ($268.11USD)
· Intensive Care Unit Admission (7 days @ 1,170,000/day): 8,190,000UGX ($2,195.80USD)
· General Admission Ward (7 days @195,000/day): 1,365,000UGX ($365.97USD)
Total: 20,555,000UGX ($5,510.95UGX)
*** All additional funds raised will go towards covering expenses for Ben after he is discharged to help him get back on his feet. ***
All funds will be delivered directly to Ben in order to help him pay for the treatment as well as some additional funds to give him time to recover fully and take care of any incidentals (transportation costs, medications, last minute expenses, etc.).
The doctors have estimated that Ben needs the surgery in the next two weeks before his condition worsens and becomes unpredictable. We understand that this is a lot of money to ask for in such a short time and would greatly appreciate your help. In a season where we are enjoying Black Friday shopping and preparing for the holidays, please considering helping us out. Please spread this around to as many people as you can and help us get Ben back to a full bill of health! Every bit helps.
Organizer
Joy Weisel
Organizer
Boise, ID
