Dear Friends,

I am writing to you all with a heavy yet hopeful heart to share the story of my mother-in-law, Mary Namukisa, who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor requiring urgent surgery. Mary has always been a remarkably healthy and hardworking woman, walking six miles daily to and from the gardens where she worked tirelessly throughout my wife's entire life. Her dedication ensured that her family never went without food, as they relied on her incredible efforts for many years.

Until August of last year, she began experiencing occasional episodes of convulsions. Seeking medical attention at one of the few local clinics in her remote village, she was prescribed medication without a thorough examination of the underlying cause. However, the episodes persisted, eventually affecting her left hand and leg, sometimes causing them to give way. This condition left her devastated, as she had been accustomed to physical labor, which also served as her primary form of exercise.

In September last year, together with her family and my wife, we decided it was wise to seek medical attention closer to our apartment in another town. For nearly a month, we lived with our dear mother in our one-bedroom apartment. A CT scan was performed at one of the regional referral hospitals, which showed an unusual development on the right side of her brain, though the details were unclear. She was admitted to this hospital for a few weeks, but the convulsions persisted, occurring with increasing frequency. Given the complexity of her condition, the hospital referred her to a national referral hospital. However, due to the challenges within Uganda's healthcare system, the family was advised to consult a private neurologist, which was very expensive. Through this consultation, an MRI was recommended and conducted on December 31st. The results revealed a growing mass or tumor on the right side of her brain, which was causing the episodes and mini-strokes affecting the left side of her body. The situation requires urgent brain surgery to remove the tumor, and we were informed that the surgery should ideally take place within 2-3 weeks. Our prayer is for her to undergo the procedure within January.

We deeply appreciate any support you can offer during this time of immense uncertainty. If you are able to contribute and help alleviate the financial strain on our family, we would be endlessly grateful. If a donation isn't possible, we kindly ask that you keep Mary, my wife Concepta, and her family in your thoughts and prayers, and share the link to this fundraiser with others. If you'd prefer to donate through a different method, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. All funds raised will be used to cover her medical expenses and the costs associated with her stay in the city for treatment.

Jesus, We Trust in You

Thank you

Eddie Wamala (Son-in-law)

Mary Concepta Wamala (Daughter)