Improve Quality Childhood Cancer Care in Uganda

In March 2020, when Jonathan was two years old, he first had signs of cancer. He developed non-tender swelling in his right lower abdomen. His father brought him to a local health center nearby the village where his family lived. At the health center, he was diagnosed with and treated for malaria – without improvement. The health center then referred him to a higher-level health center. He remained at the higher-level center for three days before being referred to the Lira Regional Referral Hospital (Lira RRH). Unfortunately, his parents did not have the necessary funds to take him to the hospital in Lira until August 2020. When Jonathan was seen at the Lira RRH, he underwent an abdominal ultrasound scan which revealed a mass in the right kidney. The staff at Lira RRH referred Jonathan to the national hospital in Kampala, Uganda for further tests and treatment. Because his father was unable to afford the costs associated with travel to Kampala as well as the funds required to stay in Kampala, he declined to take Jonathan to the national hospital.

After Jonathan’s father had further discussions with a staff member at the Lira RRH and his church members, he was advised to take Jonathan to our hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor in the nearby district of Gulu. Jonathan arrived at St. Mary’s in September 2020. He had a full work-up and was found to have a huge mass in the right kidney. A biopsy was performed which revealed that he had Wilms Tumor, a cancer that arises in the kidney that is typically seen in young children like Jonathan.

Jonathan began pre-operative chemotherapy in late September 2020 and then underwent a removal of his right kidney in early January 2021.  He resumed chemotherapy after his surgery and completed all chemotherapy in May 2021.  He achieved a complete remission.  His father ensured that Jonathan completed all treatment as planned and has brought him to all scheduled post-treatment follow up visits.  Jonathan’s last visit was in October 2022.  He is now four years old.  His father reported that he is healthy and growing. 

Jonathan’s father is grateful to the team at St. Mary’s and to everyone - including individuals who donate to this project - because his son was able to receive cancer treatment. For poor families like Jonathan’s, they often struggle financially to provide food and shelter for themselves and their children. When faced with a child with cancer who requires treatment that can be cost-prohibitive, they face even greater financial challenges that can be overwhelming. Thanks to your generous donations, children like Jonathan can receive free treatment and accommodation and have the best chance for cure. Thank you again for your support!