The cancer is curable but drugs are expensive

Evelyne Kahuura after she was diagnosed with Erwing’s Sarcoma, a curable type of cancer. She is still undergoing treatment at Mulago’s cancer unit.

Evelyn Kahuura passed last year’s senior six exams and wanted to do Bachelor of Statistics at university but has had her dream shattered by cancer.

She first realised there was a problem with her bones and went for spinal treatment at Mulago hospital’s Spinal Ward where doctors later discovered that the problem was brought about by cancer.

Her case is curable, according to the doctor’s reports, but her parents are exhausted and have no money to buy her drugs which are out of stock at Mulago Cancer Institute.

“The above mentioned is our patient since May 2011 with Erwing’s Sarcoma, a curable cancer. She has since been undergoing treatment which has been erratic because of the stock outs of the drugs that she requires,” a November 3 letter from Dr Victoria Walusansa, the acting director, Uganda Cancer Institute, seeking help reads in part.
Walusansa adds: “This unfortunately has implications on the outcome of her treatment. Any assistance rendered to her is highly appreciated.”

Her father, Ben Murorwa, appeals, “My daughter’s case is curable. We humbly request for your kind donation towards her treatment which needs Shs1.5m for a monthly dose for the next six months. As for me, I am totally down.”

Kahuura who hails from Fort Portal in Kabarole District, did her A’ level at Kyebambe Girls SSS in 2010 and scored Aggregate 10 in Mathematics, Economics, Geography and Fine Art. All along, she had been struggling with an unknown cancer at school and this she says affected her studies.

She says after Senior Six, she had no time to apply to any university and continue with studies as she was sick and had been admitted.

She is currently writing a book, Hard-pressed But Not Crushed, which talks about how cancer has affected her life.

In the same book, Kahuura wants to create a cancer awareness initiative for the community to keep testing for cancer. “All of us are potential candidates for cancer,” she says.

Her wish is to publish the book to raise money to help cancer victims.
Kahuura is currently in Kampala where she goes to Mulago for treatment every after two weeks but the drugs she needs are no longer in stock.

The cancer unit is currently paralysed and been unable to get vital equipment and chemicals allegedly due to rigid government procurement rules. As a result, cancer patients are unable to undergo tests and receive treatment.