“I have to get well for the sake of my children. They have no one else to look up to,” says Catherine, a 41-year-old single mother of two, living in Kenya. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us both of her children and still in school, and she works several jobs – such as cleaning and cooking – to provide for them.
Catherine was recently diagnosed with uterine fibroids – growths from the muscles inside the uterus. The fibroids have been causing her severe abdominal pain and heavy bleeding for the past year, making it difficult for her to work.
“If not treated, Catherine will continue to be in pain and the bleeding may lead to anemia. The fibroids will continue to grow, affecting surrounding body organs,” shares AMHF.
Catherine needs a hysterectomy to remove her uterus, and therefore remove the painful fibroids. The surgery will cost $790, which includes surgical and medical expenses, medication, and a five day hospital stay with food. Catherine cannot afford treatment on her own, as she is her family’s sole source of income.
After the surgery “Catherine will be able to resume her job and take care of her young family,” AMHF adds.