By Karen Lemaire | Project Leader
Most people these days have a cancer story. Whether it is personal, someone you know or have read about in the news, cancer is slowly becoming a global pandemic and the statistics in developing countries are not very encouraging.
In Kenya, for example, there are only 2 national radiotherapy machines, one of which frequently breaks down. This leads to a cancer mortality rate of 27,000 annually. All these statistics have been clearly documented in this video that Faraja has put together.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9P4eaJHlPug
This is why I chose to climb Mount Kilimanjaro this August with my family, to raise much needed funds to support Faraja Cancer Support Trust. The monies raised will go towards the Faraja Cancer Support Fund ( FCSF), that aims to treat at least 50 cancer patients every year forever.
A high priority for Faraja over the next 6months is to reach out to more communities, located outside of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. Eldoret town, has been chosen as our first new regional base which in time could see Faraja doubling the amount of people we help. The new outreach centre will be located at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). MTRH is strategically placed in the heart of Uasin Gishu County in Eldoret town. It is also the second National Referral Hospital in Kenya after Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). In 2015, MTRH commissioned the establishment of a chronic diseases center to deal with cancer and tuberculosis treatment. The center aims to ease the influx of cancer patients seeking medical assistance at KNH. This timely investment is in line with our vision of walking with cancer patients during their treatment journey by giving free complementary therapies, information and support.
I am particulary proud of this project and I am gald that more Kenyans will receive support at the moments that matter to them the most. The new center will be modelled on the centre of excellence that has been developed in Nairobi and based out of the Moi Teaching Hospital (MTRH).
I personally would like thank the whole Faraja family of supporters, staff, patients and volunteers who have helped Faraja to grow into the leader they have become today. Supporters, like you, have ensured that we have received guidance when needed, and off course, much needed funds. By being there you have ensured thousands of people do not have to face cancer alone. Thank you!
Fundraising doesn't end in August. This October, a group of London based oncologists are organising a grand affair!There will be fundraising dinner in London on the 14th of October 2017. I would like to call upon all our supporters in the UK who would like to attend to save the date. All proceeds will go towards supporting children and adults with cancer in Kenya.
The countdown to the Kili Climb officially begins!
I covet your good will, prayers and your support!
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
