Jackline is a 27-year-old single mother with a story of remarkable courage, determination and a beautiful character inside and out.
Jackline developed sudden nose bleeding in early 2018. She didn’t worry about it until a swelling in her nose started to grow and soon involved the left eye region as well. Jackline was enrolled in the Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja Programme at the end of 2018 and we supported Jackline to get further investigations at Mulago Cancer Institute in Kampla. She was diagnosed with cancer in her nose and sinuses in February 2019, but her cancer was too advanced for a cure, but we supported her for palliative radiotherapy. Although the treatment is hard, she never, ever misses an appointment at Mulago as she so wants to live a long, happy life.
Jackeline is one of the most inspiring patients we have come across, with a determined, hopeful spirit. Her tumour has disfigured her face, causes her incredible pain and has an awful odour, but you would never guess any of these things were bothering her. When we come for home visits Jackeline always has a huge smile on her face and greets our team with a warm hug. Jackline wants very much to advocate for other patients, too and she wants her story to be known so that she will never be forgotten.
In July 2020, when she was undergoing treatment in Mulago, Jackline wasn’t feeling well and another patient, Joy - also there for treatment - took care of her. When Jackline learned a few months later learned that Joy was admitted to Kamuli Hospital, Jackline immediately travelled over 80km to take care of her, without question.
Jackeline is such a kind, loving and giving person – she inspires people and spreads joy wherever she goes. We all have a lot to learn from her - how lucky we are to know her.
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