As Howest's country expert for Uganda, I was personally informed of the unfortunate perspective of Gloria, a single mother who got diagnosed with a serious medical condition. Her compelling story prompted the Howest (alumni) support network to take action on her behalf.
Gloria ended up in Rubirizi (Uganda), where she lives in poverty as a single mother (39) with two boys (11 and 4). B
But the real reason you are reading this is more urgent: Gloria was diagnosed with a fast-growing rectal tumour that needs to be operated on before it completely blocks the intestinal opening. In Uganda, it is virtually impossible to live with a stoma for long due to the costs, the scarcity of products and the high risk of infection.
This last circumstance makes Gloria's – also very painful – condition a death sentence. Moreover, her death would leave her two boys orphaned.
How your donation help to save Gloria?
In the most dramatic situations, there is often a silver lining for those who can see it. Award-winning colorectal surgeon Dr Hyukjun Chung is currently based in Uganda, where he is pioneering and training in laparoscopic surgery. He is organised and, together with his team, is ready to take Gloria on as a patient, determined to save her life.
Every euro donated to Gloria goes directly to her (estimates in euros)
- Medical imaging (€500)
- Preoperative examinations (€500)
- Laparoscopic or open surgery (€4,000)
- Postoperative care (€500)
- Recovery period of probably 3 months with stoma care (€2,000)
- Indirect costs (transport, hospital stay) (€1,500)
- Overhead (unforeseen costs) 5% of the total amount = (€450)
The estimated target of our synchronised GoFundMe campaign is therefore €9,450: your Howest Foundation donation will go directly to this goal.
However, companies cannot benefit from tax exemption via GoFundMe, whereas our Howest Foundation can issue you with a recognised donation certificate (for Belgium).
Transparency first
We strive for complete transparency. We will use the GoFundMe site, gofund.me/733b0c10
- to write a brief update at each milestone
- to publish all relevant receipts and invoices
- to send photos or videos showing how your donations are being used
Donors can also obtain additional information at any time via ivo.de.pauw@howest.be.
Your generosity will directly save the life of a single mother in Uganda and indirectly secure two other lives. Because every donation, large or small, brings us closer to saving Gloria, transparency is paramount.
In the event of Gloria's death, the amount raised will be reallocated as a school fund for her two sons, under our supervision and with annual reporting on the GoFundMe page.
Thank you very much for your empathy and tangible support!