Verah is a 23-year-old vibrant young woman from Nairobi County, Kenya, who dreams of becoming a journalist and sharing inspiring stories from her community. As the youngest of six siblings, her family faces significant financial challenges. With her father unable to work due to injuries from an accident and her mother relying on subsistence farming to support the family, Verah's journey has been filled with hurdles.
Eight years ago, Verah experienced a tragic accident at school that changed her life forever. While touring the grounds in a newly acquired school bus, a brake failure caused the bus to roll over multiple times. This horrific incident claimed the lives of five students and left many others, including Verah, with serious injuries. Though she survived, Verah endured profound physical losses—her right arm was amputated, she lost all but her thumb on her left hand, and the left side of her scalp was severely damaged.
After a challenging month in the hospital and subsequent surgeries to help her heal, Verah faced a new reality. With the unwavering support of her family, she completed her high school education, eventually pursuing a degree in communication and media. However, her journey is far from over. While she has made incredible progress, her scalp still requires specialized care.
Today, Verah is in her second year of studies, using her thumb to type on her devices while facing frequent headaches that hinder her attendance and focus in class. Despite these challenges, her dream of becoming a journalist shines brightly in her heart.
In August this year, Verah underwent a procedure to help with her healing, but an infection has complicated her situation. She now urgently needs surgery to address the infected tissue and cover her wound. Unfortunately, Verah's national health insurance is currently inactive due to a transition being undertaken by the program, leaving her family to seek alternative support for her medical expenses.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Verah receive treatment. On October 15th, surgeons will perform a debridement and skin graft procedure to help in the healing process of her scalp wound, helping her complete her college education and fulfill her aspirations. Now, Verah's family needs help to fund this $1,185 procedure.
Verah says, "Since the accident, I have worn a hat to keep the wound on my head hidden. I hope that this surgery will finally allow me to heal and move freely without drawing attention to myself."