32-year-old Lornah lives with her husband and three young children on a quiet hillside in Kenya. Her days are usually simple, tending to a few potato rows and mango trees with her husband, caring for her children, and managing the little they have with gratitude. Even though life is often difficult, she has always been known for her determination and deep love for her family.
Lornah is now in the third trimester of her fourth pregnancy, but she continues to do as much as she can to care for her family. Two weeks ago, the children had gone without a proper meal, and the house was nearly empty of food. Her husband had gone to look for casual work. Out of necessity, Lornah decided to gather mangoes to sell, as has happened before.
Lornah had climbed the same tree many times before, but that day would change everything. As she held onto the branches carefully, she accidentally stepped on a dry branch that looked firm. It suddenly snapped. She lost her balance before she could steady herself, and in an instant, she fell. The pain was sharp, and she could not stand. More than anything, she feared for her unborn baby.
Neighbors rushed to her aid and took her to the nearest health facility. There, she received first aid and was stabilized, before being referred to the hospital for further management. When she arrived, the pain was intense. She was given medication and sent for an X-ray. The results showed a pelvic ring fracture, that has since confined her to bed. She also had an olecranon fracture on her elbow. Thankfully, the unborn baby was unharmed and has continued to be well, something Lornah is grateful for.
Lorna underwent a surgical repair of the elbow fracture, and although it was partially aligned, further imaging revealed that it was comminuted, broken into several pieces, making a second surgery necessary. This time, Lornah would need an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) procedure to fix the bone properly.
Her pelvic injury requires long periods of bed rest, meaning Lornah cannot sit, walk, or take care of herself without assistance. Her husband now moves between the fields, the house, and the hospital, trying to manage everything at once. Their three young children are being cared for by their father, and they keep asking when Mama will come home.
Now, facing a second surgery, Lornah has another challenge: her medical cover won't support a second procedure, and her family simply cannot afford the cost.
Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Lornah receive treatment. On December 9th, she will undergo a fracture repair procedure at AIC Kapsowar Hospital. This treatment will help her recover and return home in time to welcome her new baby. Now Lornah's family needs help to fund this $1,014 procedure.
Lonah says: "I thank God that me and my unborn child survived the fall. I am looking forward to a day when I will be on my feet. I hope I get better before the baby is born. Please support my treatment."