Julius is a 46-year-old man from Kenya, and a father of four children. Two of his children are currently in secondary school, while the other two attend primary school. Julius was once a hardworking businessman who earned a living selling second-hand shoes. However, due to his declining health, he has been unable to continue with his business and is now unemployed. To support the family, his wife works as a teacher at a nearby kindergarten, but the modest income she earns is only enough to cover basic daily necessities.
In 2011, Julius's life took a difficult turn when he was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, a chronic condition that required lifelong treatment and monitoring. With medication and regular care, he was able to manage the disease for several years. Unfortunately, in 2020, he developed hypertension that went undetected and untreated for some time. This eventually led to kidney failure, prompting him to begin dialysis treatment twice every week. Since the dialysis began, Julius has relied on a chest catheter for vascular access. Over the years, the catheter has caused numerous complications, including recurrent infections, persistent pain, and frequent blockages that have required the use of anticoagulant medications. These challenges have significantly affected his quality of life and increased the risks associated with his treatment.
To provide a safer and more permanent dialysis access, his nephrologist referred him to a vascular surgeon for the creation of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). In 2024, Julius underwent his first AVF creation procedure. Unfortunately, the fistula failed to mature adequately. In February 2026, Julius underwent a second AVF creation on the same arm. During follow-up, he had developed significant hand swelling. Although the swelling improved with limb elevation and medical management, the fistula has again shown very slow maturation and is unlikely to provide reliable dialysis access. After careful evaluation, his medical team has now advised the creation of a new arteriovenous fistula on a different arm and at a different site. This procedure offers hope for establishing a functional, long-term dialysis access that can reduce complications, improve treatment outcomes, and enhance Julius's quality of life. Julius previously received support through the national health insurance cover, but the recommended procedure will require payment out of pocket. As the sole provider for his family and with mounting medical expenses, he is unable to afford the treatment.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Julius receive treatment. On June 3rd, he will undergo an AVF creation procedure that will cost $1,127. Now, Julius needs help to fund this surgery.
He says: "I will really be grateful if the fistula works. I have really struggled with the catheter that has been blocked, and I have had to take anticoagulants for a long time. Please help me, and I have faith that it will be functional for the third time, in Jesus' name."