Our July “First Sunday” collection recipient will be Palliative Care Association of Uganda (“PCAU”).

PCAU – Palliative Care Association of Uganda was formed in 1999. Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. This type of care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.  Only 11% of those who need pain control and palliative care can access it in Uganda which includes the children.

PCAU Executive Director, Mark Mwesiga, is committed to the needs of Uganda children who are suffering with serious illness. PCAU, with the help of our first Sunday donations, will support a program for children living in very rural areas who are diagnosed with cancer.  Why do this?  A recent research project found that most children did not return to the hospital after their initial cancer diagnosis because the family couldn’t afford the transportation, treatment and needed supplies/equipment.  For more information about the organization, please visit its website: https://pcauganda.org

Funds from the July “First Sunday” collection will:

•  –provide transportation to the hospital for children with cancer to receive their treatment,
• -help provide treatment and the medical supplies and supportive devices they need such as crutches and wheelchairs,
• -provide food for the children and their caregivers during hospital appointments,
• -help provide financial support for the palliative care nurse and the social worker to conduct home visits for these children,
• -and, if possible, provide play equipment at the hospital for the children waiting for their appointments, recognizing that play is a form of therapy for children.

CHECKS SHOULD BE MAILED TO:

DMIEC, P.O. Box 30065, Des Moines, IA  50310

Checks can be written either to “Global Partners in Care” or to “DMIEC” with “First Sunday” in the memo line. 

We would prefer that all checks be mailed to DMIEC. If you mail your check directly to the organization, please inform Ed Arnold of the amount, if you feel comfortable, so the Social Justice Committee can get an accurate count of donations.