Joan is a playful and happy three-year-old girl. She’s the third born in a family of four. Their family lives in a rental house in a small town in Kenya. Her father works as a shopkeeper, and her mother is a housewife. Joan’s father earns limited wages from the business, especially during the difficult times caused by the COVID pandemic. Having been blessed with four children, Joan’s father’s income is often not enough to cater to the basic needs of his children and also pay for the health care that Joan needs.
Joan was brought to the hospital with recurrent tonsillitis and pain when swallowing for more than a year now. She has difficulty sleeping, and breathing when she sleeps. These symptoms are attributed to enlarged tonsils that are blocking her airways. Her mother also reported that when Joan has an active infection, she is not able to feed well and even has difficulty in breathing during the day.
Before they came to Kapsowar Hospital, Joan’s mother had been taking her to a health facility for treatment with antibiotics, though they have not been effective. Our surgeons have recommended that Joan’s condition is best treated surgically and have booked her for a tonsillectomy. The surgery will improve her general well-being and bring her peace during the night and aid in proper feeding. Joan’s family is requesting any well-wisher to support them so that their daughter can undergo surgery.
Joan will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. Fortunately, she is scheduled to undergo a tonsillectomy on April 23rd. African Mission Healthcare is requesting $420 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. Once recovered, she will be able to sleep and breathe peacefully throughout the night.
Joan’s mother shared, “I want my child to get treated so that she can breathe well and sleep well. Thank you for your support.’’
