With me in my battle against cancer
Posted on 2024-09-11 By : Desire Namazzi
My name is Desire Namazzi, and I am 24 years old. I am a resident of Uganda. Today, I am beginning my final year of undergraduate studies, focusing on social sciences with a major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology.
In April 2020, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) after multiple misdiagnoses from different doctors. I immediately started chemotherapy at Mulago Hospital after the diagnosis, but unfortunately, the first cycle was ineffective due to the aggressive nature of the cancer.
My doctor, Dr. Wasswa Peter, then informed us that he would intensify the chemotherapy to aggressively eliminate the cancer. Additionally, he recommended a Bone Marrow Transplant to prevent a relapse. For my Bone marrow Transplant, we consulted Dr Gaurav Kharya, Director, Department of Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy, at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi. The chemotherapy was intensified in subsequent cycles, and in June, we initiated fundraising campaigns to collect $80,000 for my transplant in India.
By the end of July, my doctor informed me that my body was free of cancer cells, and I was in remission, making me ready for the transplant. Fortunately, we had managed to raise the necessary funds from family, friends, and well-wishers. In August, I traveled to India with my mom and aunt.
At the end of August, I was admitted to Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in Delhi, India under Dr Kharya, who put me on radiation therapy. My mom generously donated her bone marrow, as she was a 50% match. The transplant took place on September 4th, and thankfully, my body accepted the transplant without rejection.
Following the transplant, we were advised to remain in India for 100 days to ensure a successful recovery. In December 2021, we returned to Uganda.
It has now been four years, and I am cancer-free, happy, and healthy. I am incredibly grateful to my mom for her bone marrow donation and to all my doctors, including Dr. Gaurav Kharya for giving me a new lease on life.
I aspire to study psychology-oncology, leveraging my personal experience with cancer and my education to assist others in similar situations.
My battle with cancer has empowered and enriched me as an individual. As a result, I have founded a non-profit organization called 'Seasons Of Love'. Each month, we launch campaigns to collect donations for psychosocial support for low-income families at the Pediatric Hematology Oncology ward at New Mulago, where I received treatment in Uganda. These funds help cover expenses such as food and transportation for patients. We also accept donations of toys, clothes, and other items to support the patients.
I eagerly anticipate a future where I can assist as many children with cancer as possible. I view this as my second chance at life and am determined to make the most of it.