Sarah is a 14-year-old girl from Kenya. “I will become a surgeon when I grow up,” Sarah says with determination. She is determined to fulfill her dreams and transform both her life and that of her family. As the firstborn of five children, she has had to balance the responsibilities that come with her role in the family while also facing the challenges of living with a spinal condition.
When Sarah was 10 years old, she underwent a posterior spinal fusion. The procedure was successful, and her condition improved significantly. Since then, she has regained the ability to walk independently, greatly improving her mobility and allowing her to continue her education with renewed confidence. However, Sarah recently began experiencing intermittent pain.
Physicians at our medical partner’s care center, AIC Cure International Hospital, determined that Sarah should undergo a procedure called a spinal fusion. This surgery fuses two or more unstable vertebrae to reinforce the back structure and reduce pain and ease symptoms. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1500 to help fund this procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place on July 23rd and, once completed, it will hopefully improve Sarah’s quality of life.
Sarah enjoys singing and watching films. She dreams of traveling, exploring the world, and learning about different cultures. This surgery will bring her one step closer to living an active, fulfilling life and pursuing her dream of becoming a surgeon. She shared, “I used to feel like a burden to my family and friends as I needed them with me before going anywhere. Life has been better; I now do my day-to-day activities by myself.”
