Dickson is a 35-year-old man from Kenya. He was born with cerebral palsy which has significantly affected his movement, posture, balance, and speech. Dickson cannot speak and is only able to communicate through smiling and his facial expressions. Due to his condition, he has never been able to walk or sit independently and he has required frequent hospital visits. He was abandoned at the hospital at birth and was taken in by a charitable organization until 2022. He was then moved to a rescue home where he currently lives.
Two years ago, Dickson began to experience troubling symptoms, including twisted bowels and a dead colon, resulting from limited blood supply to his large intestines. This blockage caused parts of his intestines to twist, leading to tissue death. He underwent surgery to remove the dead colon but has needed a colostomy bag since for excretion. The caregivers at the rescue center have mentioned that colostomy bags are costly and must be replaced frequently to prevent infections. Dickson was diagnosed with post sigmoid colectomy and now requires a curative laparotomy, to restore normal function to his large intestines and allow him to excrete normally. The only family Dickson knows are the caregivers at the rescue center, but they cannot afford the surgery.
The rescue center where Dickson stays is home to over 600 vulnerable children and adults. The caregivers rely on the support of well-wishers to meet their needs, and the cost of medical expenses significantly impacts their funding. The caregivers are requesting assistance to help cover the cost of Dickson’s surgery, ease his pain, and give him a chance for a better quality of life.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to fund Dickson’s surgery. On November 25th, he will undergo surgery that will improve his quality of life.
Dickson’s caregiver says, “Dickson is a happy and positive person. Although he cannot speak, he brings a positive energy to everyone around him.”