Joyful supporting Iong term cancer patients

This month has been a deeply touching one for me. Together with my fellow members of the UCU Cancer Society, we organized an outreach visit to the Care Home at the Uganda Cancer Institute in Mulago. The patients there are undergoing long and difficult journeys with cancer, and many of them live with very little support.

We carried along food items, groceries, and toiletries, small tokens of care we had gathered through contributions from students and friends. But more than the items, it was the time we spent listening and simply being present with the patients that left a lasting impression on me. Seeing their courage in the face of pain reminded me why I chose medicine: to serve with both knowledge and compassion, and to bring light where hope feels dim.

This experience also reminded me how important community and empathy are in healthcare. Every patient deserves not just treatment, but also kindness and dignity. I left Mulago that day with a renewed sense of purpose, to study harder and grow into a doctor who not only treats illnesses but also touches lives.

Academically, the semester continues to be demanding, but I draw strength from experiences like this and from the incredible support I receive through the scholarship. Knowing that someone believes in me keeps me going even on the difficult days.

I’ve attached one of our group photos from the outreach. We planted a tree, a small symbol of life and hope that will continue to grow long after our visit.

Thank you so much for walking with me on this journey and for making it possible for me to grow not just as a student, but as a person of service and compassion.