Musa is a 50-year-old humble and gentle man from Kenya, whose life has been marked by hardship, resilience, and quiet endurance. As a child, Musa suffered a serious head injury in his rural home setting. He was treated by a traditional medicine man, but unfortunately, the injury did not heal properly. Musa recalls being taken to hospital after this, and staying there for a very long time. Years later, while in Class 7 preparing for his national primary examinations, tragedy struck again. Musa developed a mild stroke that left one side of his body weak and caused paralysis of his arm and leg. Although treatment helped him regain some mobility, his hand remained permanently paralysed.
The disability changed the course of his life forever. Because of his health struggles and physical limitations, Musa never got the opportunity to start his own family. Instead, he has relied heavily on the support of his brothers and nephews, who have stood beside him through every challenge. One of his nephews has been especially devoted, caring for him tirelessly during hospital admissions and difficult moments.
In early March this year, Musa’s life took another devastating turn. An altercation led to him being struck on the hip with a metallic rod, and he sustained a fracture of his left thighbone. Musa was admitted in hospital and underwent a fracture repair surgery which was successful. A follow up visit two weeks after discharged showed that he was recovering well.
Unfortunately, a few weeks later, fate dealt Musa yet another painful blow. One rainy day, Musa lost his footing while taking care of his cattle, and fell on his recently operated leg. The pain was unbearable. Musa cried out for help, but no one was nearby. Because he lives in a remote area, he remained lying there for nearly three hours before his nephew eventually came looking for him and found him in agony. He was carried back into the house, but his leg continued swelling through the night.
Musa was brought back to hospital where X-rays showed a fracture around the implant site, which required another complex surgery. The first stage of surgery, hardware removal, was successfully completed, and now Musa is scheduled for fracture repair surgery. Musa’s national health cover has since been exhausted, and he is now seeking support for the procedure.
Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On May 11th, Musa will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,014 to fund this procedure.
Musa says, “I look forward to a day when I will look after my cattle without pain.”
