Chronic diseases, and particularly cancer and cardiac issues
have had a significant impact on my life and the life of my extended family and
friends. I am fortunate at 56 years of
age to be of sound body, something far too many others cannot claim as they
have been afflicted by one form of chronic disease or another.
So I will get my 56 year old body into the best shape I can
in order to successfully make the trek up to the Lanana peak
of Mt. Kenya at 16,535 feet.
As I get in shape I am mindful of the daily struggle others have to go
through in their battle with chronic diseases.
When someone has a chronic disease at home it is very, very tough. Here in Kenya it is regrettably even more
difficult due to the lack of trained personnel, adequate facilities and
adequate equipment. At present there are
10 oncologists in all of Kenya
and a very, very limited number of facilities that even provide treatment. The only facility that provides treatment for
those of lesser means is Jomo Kenyatta Hospital
in Nairobi and it is overwhelmed with demand
from both Kenya
and the surrounding countries. The next
possibility is Kampala, Uganda. Unfortunately, for those
diagnosed with cancer or chronic heart disease, the chance of receiving
treatment is very slim and the consequence of that is devastating to the
families.
Thanks to the vision and determination on the part of
doctors at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret and the Indiana University
led Ampath Consortium there is now a dynamic effort to change the tide of this
struggle. A new 110,00 sf Chronic Care facility is
under construction that will house not only treatment space for chronic
diseases, but will also provide research
and educational facilities. The building
is approximately 45% complete and is scheduled for completion in January of
2015. There continues to be a need for
additional funding not only for the building, but also, as importantly, the
education of Kenyans in oncology, radiation oncology, cardiac and pulmonary
care and diabetes. Equipping a facility
of this nature is also a financial challenge.
Clearly our climb to the Lanana peak
of Mt.
Kenya
is not going to raise all of funds needed, however, each dollar and each
shilling will make a significant difference.
I am fortunate to be able to undertake this climb with a great bunch of
people working towards the same end……..to bring quality care to our Kenyan,
Ugandan, Tanzanian and Ethiopian friends and families so that they may live a
full life.
Your support will be greatly appreciated. You can meet the climbers and make a donation
by going to: http://iufoundation.fundly.com/mt-kenya-climb
Your donation is tax deductible also !
Asante sana for your
consideration!!!
Michael
Will contribute, Michael.
ReplyDeleteTake it easy on that body, eh? It's a beloved one...