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Success! Mary from Kenya raised $791 to fund gyn surgery for fibroids.

Mary
100%
  • $791 raised, $0 to go
$791
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Mary's treatment was fully funded on May 20, 2020.

Photo of Mary post-operation

May 28, 2020

Mary underwent surgery for her fibroids.

Mary had a successful hysterectomy and is now free from excessive bleeding. She will no longer be at risk of bleeding and anaemia. She can now lead a normal and more full life.

“I am grateful and thank God for the assistance. Soon I can go back to taking care of my family and tend to our cows. It is very comforting to know that the bleeding is over,” said Mary.

Mary had a successful hysterectomy and is now free from excessive bleeding. She will no longer be at risk of bleeding and anaemia. She can n...

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May 14, 2020

Mary is a housewife from Kenya. She is married with two children, who are in school. Mary’s husband has a kiosk to earn income and Mary has also kept two cows that give them milk for their family.

Since December 2018, Mary has been experiencing experiencing lower abdominal pains and heavy prolonged menses. She has been diagnosed with multiple fibroids. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus.

Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $791 to fund Mary’s surgery. On May 15th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner’s care center. Once recovered, Mary will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain.

Mary shared, “I am suffering a lot even to take care of my family is hard because of the bleeding. I plead for help so that this problem can be over and I can lead my normal life and also take care of the family.”

Mary is a housewife from Kenya. She is married with two children, who are in school. Mary's husband has a kiosk to earn income and Mary has ...

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Mary's Timeline

  • May 14, 2020
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Mary was submitted by Joan Kadagaya, Curative Medical Support Program-Partner Representative at African Mission Healthcare.

  • May 15, 2020
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Mary received treatment at Nazareth Hospital in Kenya. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.

  • May 15, 2020
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Mary's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • May 20, 2020
    FULLY FUNDED

    Mary's treatment was fully funded.

  • May 28, 2020
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Mary's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 9 donors

Funded by 9 donors

Treatment
Nazareth - Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $791 for Mary's treatment
Hospital Fees
$454
Medical Staff
$0
Medication
$54
Supplies
$211
Labs
$72
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Symptoms vary depending on the condition that requires the total abdominal hysterectomy. If the cause is cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer, there may not be symptoms, especially if the cancer is early-stage. In more advanced cases of cervical and uterine cancers, abnormal bleeding, unusual discharge, and pelvic or abdominal pain can occur. Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include trouble eating, trouble feeling full, bloating, and urinary abnormality. If the cause is fibroids, symptoms may include heavy bleeding, pain in the pelvis or lower back, and swelling or enlargement of the abdomen.

​What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

Fibroids can grow large, cause abdominal pain and swelling, and lead to recurring bleeding and anemia. Cancer can cause pain and lead to death.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

Most cervical cancer is caused by a sexually transmitted infection called human papillomavirus (HPV), which can often occur alongside a HIV infection. As a result, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among African women in areas of high HIV prevalence. Cervical cancer is also more prevalent in Africa than in the United States due to the lack of early-detection screening programs. The other conditions treated by a total abdominal hysterectomy are not necessarily more common in Africa.

  • Process
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Risks and side-effects
  • Accessibility
  • Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

The patient first reports for laboratory testing. The following day, the patient undergoes surgery. After the operation, the patient stays in the hospital ward for three to four days, during which she is continually monitored. The surgery is considered successful if the wound heals without infection, bleeding, or fever, and if the patient no longer experiences urinary dysfunction.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

In the case of uterine fibroids or early-stage cancer, a total abdominal hysterectomy is curative.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

If performed early enough, this surgery is low-risk and curative, with few side effects.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

This surgery is available, but many patients cannot afford it. Many women are screened for cervical cancer with a low-cost alternative to a pap smear. This is common in HIV treatment programs. If necessary, the woman is referred for surgery, which she often cannot afford.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

If cervical cancer is caught early enough, some minor procedures can solve the problem. Women with fibroids who still wish to have children may opt to undergo a surgery only to remove the fibroids, which is called a myomectomy.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.