Meet Lydiah, a 48-year-old mother of four who lives in Kenya. Her eldest child completed secondary school and is a casual laborer in the village, while her other children are still in school. Together with her husband, Lydiah tends to their small farm in order to support their family. They also often supplement their income with tea picking wages earned from nearby farms.
Earlier this year, Lydiah felt a lump on her left breast. After making visits to several hospitals with no clear diagnosis, she later had a biopsy done and was diagnosed with breast cancer. She needs surgery to have it removed. If not treated, the cancer could spread and further complicate Lydiah’s treatment– possibly even leading to premature death.
Lydia needs a mastectomy operation to remove the tumor in her breast, as well as the majority of the surrounding breast tissue. This will ensure that the cancer does not spread. Unfortunately, Lydiah cannot afford the high cost of treatment, and needs our help to raise the $740 for her operation. With these funds, she will be able to receive surgery as well as post-operative care at the hospital to ensure her full recovery.
Despite Lydiah’s challenges, she is excited for her treatment and empowered to help other women like herself. “I want to be treated and be there for my children,” Lydiah shares. “I would love to raise awareness on breast cancer to other women from my village.”