Help Everlyn Apio undergo heart surgery with 2.3 million shillings (USD 645)

27 August 2025, 3:14 pm

By Emmy Daniel Ojara

From Gulu Regional Referral Hospital to St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor, and now at Mulago National Referral Hospital, 39-year-old Ms Everlyn Apio is seeking 2.3 million shillings (approximately USD 645) for a heart surgery.

Last year, Ms Apio began experiencing unusual symptoms, unaware that they were related to a serious heart condition. After seeking medical attention at several hospitals in Gulu City, she was diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease, a condition that requires heart surgery.

Since February last year, Ms Apio’s condition has worsened. She underwent a minor palliative procedure at Mulago National Referral Hospital to alleviate her pain, but her health remains critical.

Medical professionals have recommended limited movement while she raises funds for the surgery, which is her only hope of recovery. Ms Apio currently experiences breathing difficulties and relies on a nasal catheter to ease her breathing. She sometimes faints and is unable to care for herself.

The full heart surgery costs 11,800,000 shillings (approximately USD 3,300), an amount she cannot afford. With support from well-wishers, she has raised 9,500,000 shillings (approximately USD 2,660), leaving her with 2,300,000 shillings (USD 645) to cover the remaining cost.

“I couldn’t undergo surgery immediately,” she says. “I am still looking for money.” She can be reached for financial support on her phone: +256 772 000196, registered in her name, Everlyn Letricia Apio.

Abandoned by the father of her two children, Ms Apio, a resident of Badege-Layibi in Gulu City, deals in second-hand clothes. She is currently unable to continue her business or provide for her children due to her illness. Her uncle has been caring for the children in her absence.

By Monday, 25 August this year, her condition had deteriorated further, and medical staff emphasised the urgent need for heart surgery.

Dr Desmond Drale, a medical doctor and lecturer at Gulu University, explained that patients with rheumatic heart disease may present with fever, painful joints (knees, elbows, and wrists), heart murmurs, fatigue, chest pains, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, and swelling of the stomach, hands, and feet.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), rheumatic heart disease results from damage to heart valves caused by one or more episodes of rheumatic fever—an autoimmune inflammatory reaction to a throat infection caused by group A streptococcus (strep throat).

The disease affects an estimated 55 million people worldwide and claims 360,000 lives each year, mostly in low-income countries.

This is an advocacy story seeking support for Ms Everlyn Letricia Apio. She can be reached on her direct phone number, +256 772 000196, registered in her name.