Engeye Health Clinic in Uganda Seeks Aid for Ugandan Seven-Year-Old Girl with Treatable Cancer

On July 12th, the Engeye Health Clinic treated Noeline, a seven-year old girl from one of the many small villages served by Engeye in southern Uganda. Shy, feverish, and clearly ill upon her arrival, Noeline was diagnosed with an extremely serious and life-threatening condition which requires urgent medical care that extends beyond the Engeye Clinic’s capabilities.  Like other rural Ugandans, Noeline lives a simple life, helps fetch water for her family, assists with farming and, when funds are available, attends the local primary school. In February, however, she began to develop an unusual tissue growth protruding from her vagina. Over time, Noeline's condition worsened, and her mother took her to the nearby health center where a biopsy was performed. The biopsy revealed that Noeline has rhabdomyosarcoma, a soft tissue sarcoma, in her vaginal wall. Simply put, seven-year old Noeline has cancer.

Although Noeline’s father was discouraged upon hearing this diagnosis and gave up hope for treatment, her mother was determined to seek further assistance, particularly because Noeline’s condition was intensifying, becoming more uncomfortable and resulting in chronic infection.  By the time Noeline arrived at the Engeye Health Clinic, the mass was so infected that it was clear that urgent care was needed. Although the Engeye staff dispensed antibiotics to treat her secondary condition, the infection, there was nothing more they could do to help with Noeline's primary condition, her cancer.

In order to help save the life of this young girl, Engeye would like to transport Noeline and her mother to the Mulago Cancer Institute in Kampala. There she will receive the life-saving chemotherapy she needs and surgeons can then remove the tumor.  Many children with conditions similar to Noeline’s have received a very good prognosis after such treatment. However, unlike hospitals in the U.S., the patient must pay for their medications at the time of service and for their own food and lodging. This is not a possibility for Noeline’s family.  Noeline’s records indicate that the tumor has been infected previously and that the infection spread to the blood. This could happen again, and it can be fatal if not treated immediately. Addressing Noeline’s care is very time sensitive.   It is estimated that the total funds needed for her care will be $2,000.00 USD.  Any donations received over the $2,000.00 will go to the non-profit Engeye Health Clinic.   To see an Engeye video, please visit:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVYuc3meXVI

For those who would like to help with this mission, please visit:  http://www.engeye.org and click on the ChipIn link to make a contribution to this project via credit card or PayPal.   Concerned citizens may also send a check to Engeye Inc, 1500 SW 11th Avenue, Suite 2304, Portland, OR 97201. Please mark all donations for Noeline’s Treatment.   The Engeye team appreciates any assistance!  For more information, please visit:  https://www.engeye.org/aboutus/history/84-noeline.html  or email info@engeye.org.

About the Engeye Health Clinic

Engeye, a U.S. and Ugandan NGO based in Uganda, was created in 2006 by a dedicated group of medical students to address the disparity in basic health, education and environmental needs of rural Ugandan villagers.  Since its inception, the Engeye team has grown to include lawyers, architects, physicians, public health enthusiasts, engineers and more.  The Engeye Health Clinic provides care for a region in Uganda that is voiceless, despite its substantial need, and that otherwise would not have access to healthcare.  The Engeye Scholars program was born to assist the schools in Ddegeya Village.  Education is highly valued in Uganda and many experts believe education is the key to raising poor countries out of poverty.   Through scholarships, the children of Ddegeya Village have the opportunity to attend boarding school, which delays child bearing, empowers women and provides newfound hope for a child to fulfill his or her dreams. Dr. Stephanie Van Dyke, Dr. Carlos Elguero, Dr. James Walker, Misty Richards, Stephen Po-Chedley and Keith DesRochers comprise the board of directors for the 501(c) (3) tax deductible, nonprofit organization.  For more information, visit: www.engeye.org and www.engeyescholars.org