They say a lot can change in a day, and for Ann Owori, that day was elusive for almost half a century, denying her the carefree delight of youth and the boundless pursuit of her dreams. But August 21, 2025, is a day she says she will never forget, because, well, a lot can change in a day.

“When I saw myself in the mirror for the first time the morning after the surgery, I was overwhelmed by emotions. I was looking good”, she smiles shyly, “and free,
and breathing just fine for the first time since the early 80s. It’s like a mountain has been removed from my neck.”

Ann, now in her senior years, first noticed ‘something abnormal’ on her neck in 1982, a subtle lump that grew steadily. Within a year, her life changed in many unpleasant ways: breathing became laborious, swallowing a chore, and ordinary chores, the simple rhythm of daily life, became daily struggles.

“I would very easily get exhausted and get chest pain”, she says.

“It (the care received) was exceptional, especially given that the services were totally free. We were treated like we paid a lot of money. I did not experience any complications during or after the surgery.”

Desperate for relief, Ann sought treatment early on. A year of iodine treatment in 1984 brought temporary relief, but the associated discomforts returned more profoundly as the goiter got bigger, a physical burden that became a prison of pain and isolation, stealing the simple joys of life.

“I never got married”, she says with a wry smile, “back in my youth, potential suitors kept their distance.”

“I also never got a job. Employers kept telling me I was too sick to work, saying I should first get surgery,” says Ann, who is a chef by profession.

Within the community, this also came with hushed whispers, stolen confidence, and stares heavy with unsaid questions – quietly emptying her social life.

“I was even segregated at family functions,” that wry smile again, “even my own brother treated me like I disgusted him”.

So Ann’s desperation for a cure continued, seeking different kinds of treatment she could afford, but all was just a heartbreaking marathon of dead ends.

“A traditional herbalist would slit the skin overlying the goitre and apply herbs, but it never worked. I also tried oral Chinese herbs, that too did not work”.

Ann first heard about Bulamu’s fully subsidized surgery Intensive Camps from a previous beneficiary, and says she was pleasantly surprised by the treatment she got there, describing the care she received as warm and of profound dignity.

“It was exceptional, especially given that the services are totally free of charge. We were treated like we paid a lot of money,” she laughs playfully.

“I never got married. Back in my youth, potential suitors kept their distance. I also never got a job. Employers kept telling me I was too sick to work, saying I should first get surgery.”

“The recovery process has been amazing. I did not experience any complications during or after the surgery. My breathing has normalized. The pain I usually felt around my neck when doing daily activities is gone”, says Ann, who is one of 413 people who received free surgery during the oneweek surgical intensive camp held in Budaka district, Eastern Uganda, in August 2025.

“My friends and people at home say I have changed and look different,” she smiles, “and indeed, I feel different.”

Ann first registered for the previous medical camp. But as the day of surgery drew closer, excitement gave way to fear.

“I got scared and ran away,” she laughs, “I thought I would die in the theatre.”

But when she later saw a neighbor who had a more complicated condition return from surgery radiant and full of life, her fear gave way to courage.

“That’s when I registered again,” she smiles warmly, “and it has turned out to be the best decision I have ever made.”

With this newfound vitality, Ann is motivated to chase the dreams that have been left waiting.

“I am looking forward to starting a catering service. I don’t think it’s too late for that,” she says, nodding.

“I want to send my heartfelt gratitude to the donors who made this possible. My life has been transformed in a way that my family members could not have afforded. May they be immensely blessed”.