Richard is a 94-year-old father and grandfather, from Elgeyo Marakwet in Kenya. After the loss of his wife several years ago, he has continued to live independently in his rural home. He has one son and two daughters; his daughters are married and have families of their own, while his son lives nearby but is often away in Eldoret seeking treatment for a chronic medical condition that requires frequent hospital visits. Despite Richard’s advanced age, he has remained remarkably independent. He prepares his own meals, washes his clothes, and manages most of his daily activities without assistance. He earns a living through small-scale farming on a small piece of land that provides food for himself, and keeps two goats, which are his only possessions after being raided a while ago by cattle rustlers and his livestock taken away.
About two weeks ago, Richard was violently assaulted by someone known to him. Due to intermittent confusion and agitation following the attack, he has been unable to clearly explain what happened. His son was away receiving treatment in Eldoret, and only learned about the incident after Richard had already been hospitalised and was called by some of his neighbours.
Richard was struck with a blunt object, sustaining multiple serious fractures on his right hand and right leg. He was initially taken to a nearby health facility, where he received first aid before proceeding to AIC Kapsowar Hospital, for specialised orthopaedic care. A good Samaritan came to Richard’s aid, paying for his initial consultation, X-rays, laboratory investigations, and activating his national health cover, before his son arrived. Thanks to this generosity, Richard was admitted and evaluated following his help. Unfortunately, his health cover is only limited to two major surgical procedures. The third surgery to repair his fractured humerus falls outside the insurance limit. The family has struggled to raise enough money for essential pre-operative investigations, and are unable to afford the additional operation. At 94 years old, Richard has spent a lifetime caring for himself. Without surgery to repair his arm, he faces prolonged pain, loss of independence, and a much more difficult recovery.
Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Richard receive treatment. July 16th, he will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This will help him heal, regain function and restore his independence. Now, Richard needs help to fund this $861 procedure.
His son says, “Please help my dad as he is in a lot of pain, he is unable to even turn on his own.”