Mactelena is a 61-year-old farmer and a mother blessed with seven daughters. She grows maize and sweet potatoes in her garden. Because she lives in a hilly area of Kenya, she experiences a lot of challenges whenever she is walking and working on her farm.
Mactelena has been diagnosed with hyperthyroid—a condition in which the thyroid gland secretes too much thyroid hormone—and is currently experiencing weight loss, a rapid heartbeat, unusual sweating, and a swelling at the base of her neck.
Two years ago, when her symptoms began, Mactelena was seen by a doctor, who recommended a thyroidectomy to remove her overactive thyroid gland. Unfortunately, Mactelena could not afford the treatment cost and returned home.
On the advice of her daughter, Mactelena came to AIC Kapsowar Hospital, an affiliate of Watsi’s medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation. Mactelena will undergo a thyroidectomy on April 24. This operation will improve her general health and alleviate the hyperthyroid symptoms.
Mactelena and her family need help to raise $641 to pay for the operation that she needs. Her children are not formally employed and are unable to cover the costs. Her husband has a spinal cord injury, which makes him unable to walk and requires him to take expensive medications. So far, the family has raised $62 for Mactelena’s care and appeals for assistance. Funding for Mactelana also covers the costs of five nights in the hospital, lab tests, and medicines.
“My children are worried about my health and that of my husband,” shares Mactelena. “If I get healed, they will be happy, and my husband will never get hungry.”
