“Supporting another dialysis machine was our way of ensuring that others could receive the same chance at life that Betsy received.”- Bob Whicker
Bob Whicker and his wife, Betsy, lived and worked in Northern Uganda for several years, serving local communities through education and, more recently, through initiatives to provide clean water. During their time in Uganda, Betsy developed severe malaria, which rapidly progressed into Blackwater Fever and Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). She was admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor, where she required emergency dialysis.
Dr. Daniel Oriba and Mr. Whicker
Under the care of the hospital’s dedicated medical team, led by Dr. Daniel Oriba and supported by specialists including the Medical Director, Dr. Odong Emintone Ayella, Betsy received timely treatment that ultimately saved her life. Following three dialysis sessions and comprehensive medical care, she made a full recovery and has since returned to her normal life.
Reflecting on their experience, Mr. Whicker described the care they received at Lacor as nothing short of a miracle.
“We wanted to honour God for what He had done for us. We saw His hands at work through the doctors, nurses, and staff at Lacor. “Supporting another dialysis machine was our way of ensuring that others could receive the same chance at life that Betsy received.”
Inspired by this experience, Mr. Whicker shared their story with family and friends. As a result, thirty-five individuals joined hands to raise funds for a second dialysis machine for St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor, ensuring that many more patients would benefit from timely, life-saving treatment.
Speaking during the commissioning of the machine, Dr. Daniel Oriba, Consultant Physician and Nephrologist, described the donation as a transformative investment for the hospital.
“This is one of the most advanced dialysis machines available today. It offers capabilities beyond standard dialysis, is highly automated, user-friendly, and will significantly improve the care we provide to critically ill patients. Having two machines also guarantees continuity of services, ensuring that patient care is never interrupted.”
Dr. Odong Emintone Ayella posing next to the dialysis machine with Mr. Whicker
The Medical Director, Dr. Odong Emintone Ayella, emphasized that the donation comes at a critical time when the burden of acute kidney injury continues to affect many patients across Northern Uganda. He noted that the second machine greatly reduces the risk of service interruption while strengthening the hospital’s ability to respond to emergencies and save lives.
For many patients, especially those suffering from severe malaria, sepsis, poisoning, pregnancy-related complications, and other causes of acute kidney injury, dialysis access can mean the difference between life and death. This new equipment will enable the hospital to reach even more patients in need while offering greater confidence to healthcare providers delivering specialized care.
We express our deepest gratitude to Mr. Bob Whicker, Betsy Whicker, their friends, and everyone who contributed to this life-saving gift. Their generosity is more than a donation of medical equipment. It is an investment in hope, healing, and the future of healthcare in Northern Uganda.
As a non-profit and a faith-based institution committed to compassionate healthcare, St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor remains grateful for partners who believe in its mission. Together, we continue to restore health, save lives, and bring hope to communities across the region.
