“My children are many, but they are unable to help me. Still I have to sustain my family as they are my children,” says Wainuku, a 64-year-old mother of seven who lives in Kenya.
Wainuku was diagnosed with cervical cancer after a cancer screening turned up abnormalities. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), has recommended a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), a surgical procedure in which the uterus and cervix are removed.
“Wainuku is not experiencing any symptoms,”says AMHF. However, “if not operated on, the cancer could spread to other organs, leading to suffering and even early death.”
Wainuku does odd jobs for her neighbors whenever she can, but she barely earns enough money to take care of herself and the daughter who lives with her. As a result, she cannot pay for the surgery that she needs, and her adult children are unable to help with the cost.
With $790 in funding, Wainuku can undergo surgery and receive five days of post-operative hospital care. AMHF tells us, “We expect after a TAH, the cancer spread will be halted. Wainuku will be well, and she will be able to work and support her family.”
“I pray that Watsi will help me and that the surgery will be successful,” says Wainuku.