Watsi

Success! Dorah from Kenya raised $794 to fund a hysterectomy so she can be free from pain.

100%

$794 raised, $0 to go

$794

raised

to go

Fully funded

Dorah's treatment was fully funded on August 4, 2021.

Dorah's story
Dorah's update

Photo of Dorah post-operation

September 3, 2021

Dorah underwent a hysterectomy so she can be free from pain.

Dorah was diagnosed with cervical cancer stage that needed urgent surgery to stop the spread of the cancerous cells. She was scheduled for a hysterectomy, which she was unable to afford. Dorah requested help and was so grateful for Watsi’s assistance. She has now undergone the procedure, and doctors confirmed that surgery was successful and went as planned. She’s now home and no more surgeries have been recommended at this point.

Dorah says, “I am getting to terms with the cancer diagnosis, and I am now motivated to live after this surgery. I am hopeful I will get back to my normal health and raise my young family.”

Dorah was diagnosed with cervical cancer stage that needed urgent surgery to stop the spread of the cancerous cells. She was scheduled for a...

July 28, 2021

Dorah is a 40-year-old house helper and a single mother of two children. She has been raising the kids on her own and works several kilometers from where she lives. She and her children live with her elderly mother.

Since June 2019, Dorah has been experiencing spotting and pain. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer and needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus.

Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $794 to fund Dorah’s surgery. On July 28th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at AMH’s care center. Once recovered, Dorah will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain.

Dorah shared, “the news about cancer is not easy to take in. It has disoriented me and I feel confused about what will happen to my young family. I need this treatment to be able to get well and avoid death.”

Dorah is a 40-year-old house helper and a single mother of two children. She has been raising the kids on her own and works several kilomete...

Submitted by

Learn more

Dorah's case was submitted by Joan Kadagaya at African Mission Healthcare.

Dorah's Timeline

July 28, 2021
PROFILE SUBMITTED
Dorah was submitted by Joan Kadagaya, Curative Medical Support Program-Partner Representative at African Mission Healthcare.
July 29, 2021
PROFILE PUBLISHED
Dorah's profile was published to start raising funds.
August 4, 2021
FULLY FUNDED
Dorah's treatment was fully funded.
August 6, 2021
TREATMENT OCCURRED
Dorah received treatment at AIC Kijabe 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.
September 3, 2021
TREATMENT UPDATE
Dorah's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Share Dorah's story

Funded by 17 donors

Treatment

Total Abdominal Hysterectomy

Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis
Procedure

On average, it costs $794 for Dorah's treatment

Hospital Fees

$703

Medical Staff

Medication

$33

Supplies

Labs

$20

Other

$38

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.

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