At Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja, we are continually inspired when the compassion we offer takes root in the community and grows far beyond us.

Lovisa, a farmer from Buyende District, first encountered our care when her sister-in-law faced serious cancer. Experiencing support and dignity in that time touched her deeply — and moved her to act for others.

Today, Lovisa is at the heart of grassroots change. She mobilizes women for cervical and breast cancer screening, accompanies those in need of treatment, and encourages her neighbors if sick to seek help early. In April 2024, she gathered 73 women at the local school for screening, preparing everything so our team only had to arrive with equipment and nurses. At the end of the day, she simply asked: “When will you come back? More women are waiting out there in the community.” And since then many, many more women and members of the community in need of support have been mobilised and helped through Lovisa.

For us as palliative care workers, Lovisa embodies the power of community. Her leadership shows that when care is given with compassion, it multiplies — reaching deeper into rural areas than we could ever achieve alone.