Kampala — WHEN doctors diagnosed her with colon cancer two years ago, Svetlana Ssemakula feared for the worst. "I thought it was the end of the world for me," she recalled.

It did not appear to be a serious ailment but gradually her condition worsened. As one who has been diagnosed she said her life changed.

Ssemakula went through an expensive and very painful process of chemotherapy which she says cost her over sh10m. "It was a very difficult time for me, my family and friends," she said.

Like the majority of cancer patients, chemotherapy took her through a series of agonising moments. "I lost my hair, suffered mood swings, my body weakened and I was nervous most of the time."

She is glad for the support from family, friends and fellow Christians especially those at Watoto Church.

Ssemakula remembers visiting Mulago Hospital at the time when the cancer institute could not provide full chemotherapy and cancer treatment.

"I sought for the essential medical assistance and the hospital complied. Their intervention helped improve my condition."

After two years of treatment and monitoring from the dedicated doctors, her condition has drastically changed. "I have been declared free from colon cancer."

While the doctors are willing to continue monitoring her progress, she believes the worst has passed.

It is in this spirit that Ssemakula resolved to give back to the hospital that saved her life.

Working hand-in-hand with church members, she recently raised and donated materials worth sh2m to the children's ward at the Mulago Cancer Institute.

The items included two television sets, food, play materials, clothes and shoes. Ssemakula said: "When we went to the cancer institute we saw ailing children and desperate families."

Ssemakula, accompanied by a team of members from the three cells that make up Cell C6 at Watoto Church, handed over the items To Dr. Jackson Okot Oryem, the director of the cancer institute.

She said the contribution is her way of showing compassion and giving back to Mulago Hospital."They gave me my life back. I feel compelled to give back," she said.

Ayele Agbuson, the cell leader and member of the team that visited the hospital said: "It is important to be relevant to the needs of the community.

The sickness in children is very touching. Each of us in our own capacities should be in a position to help."

Semakula knows that this would not have been possible without the selfless contribution of people like Rob and Marian from Boston, Dr and Mrs. Opio Shirazi, Dr Oryem and Dr Ssebaale of the cancer institute, Dr Byanyima and Dr Ddumba the director of Mulago Hospital.