Become a Pain Stopper; Honour Dr Anne's Legacy

At just 28 years old, T.A. was once an active, independent young man, known in his local church for playing the guitar during services. His life changed in 2021 when persistent pain in his right arm was followed by neck swelling and a cough that would not go away. After months without a clear diagnosis, investigations eventually confirmed cancer of the lungs. He was referred to Mulago Hospital and the Uganda Cancer Institute, hoping to begin treatment, but prolonged delays and repeated investigations left him without the care he needed.

As his condition worsened, T.A. began coughing blood and struggling to breathe. When he was asked to repeat costly investigations, he could not afford, accessing treatment became even more difficult. In April 2024, he came to Hospice Africa Uganda (HAU) seeking relief from pain and other distressing symptoms. At the time, he had no income, struggled to afford food and lived alone in a rented room. As the family’s former breadwinner, his illness had also left his elderly mother and siblings in the village with little ability to support him.

With support from the HAU team, T.A. received pain and symptom management, counselling, a comfort fund and assistance with basic needs. Encouraged by the team, he also reached out to friends, church members and well-wishers who helped raise funds for investigations, medication and essential needs. Towards the end of 2024, he was finally able to begin chemotherapy, a milestone that gave him renewed hope as he continued with reviews at UCI.

In 2026, T.A.’s seven-year-old daughter came to live with him and has since become his sole carer. Together, they face daily challenges, including periods without food and sometimes surviving on just one meal a day. Despite these hardships, members of their church community have stepped forward to support the family, including paying the child’s school fees so that her education can continue.

Through it all, T.A. remains calm, prayerful and hopeful. Most importantly, oral liquid morphine provided through HAU continues to give him effective pain relief and good pain control, allowing him greater comfort despite the progression of his illness. The psychosocial and practical support he receives has also helped him feel cared for, loved and less alone.

T.A.’s story is a powerful reminder that palliative care is not only about managing pain. It is about restoring dignity, easing suffering, supporting families and giving people hope when life becomes most difficult. Through the compassion of HAU and the generosity of supporters, T.A. continues to receive the care and comfort he needs while facing an uncertain future.