MAF flies boy from remote community for essential treatment.
Earlier this year, Nicholas noticed that his son Samuel's mouth had swollen. The 12-year-old was then taken from his home in Enairebuk, Loita Hills, on a four-hour journey to a hospital in Narok, where he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in his throat.
The hospital later referred them to Nakuru, but their visits were halted because of doctors’ strikes that were taking place in Kenya at that time.
This resulted in them moving to The Nairobi Hospital, a private hospital, for help. Samuel was admitted for two months, where he underwent 36 sessions of radiotherapy. He began his chemotherapy treatment, which consists of 12 sessions.
Not only was the family overwhelmed by having to deal with the devastating diagnosis and the tough schedule of treatment, it also meant a demanding seven-hour drive over difficult terrain to Kenya’s capital.
Loita Hills is in a remote area where accessing healthcare is difficult. The urgency of Samuel’s condition meant that time was a luxury they could not afford.
MAF was able to connect young Samuel with hope and healing, thanks to a request from Red Tribe, a Christian organisation which works in the region helping the Maasai community through health and water sanitation projects, and a school called Maasai Academy.
Both Samuel and his father were flown by MAF to Nairobi for the chemotherapy sessions, sparing the sick child a long and arduous journey.
Nicholas said, “We would often get back home when Samuel was tired which resulted in him having a swollen mouth.
We want to thank MAF and the donors for their support. Without them, traveling for my son's treatment would have been a challenge
MAF has been flying to this community for several years, and the partnership now includes support for medical flights in and out of this region.
Pilot Daniel said, “We are excited to be able to provide some flights for the community. I hope to see Samuel ride on several of our medical flights so we can get him to Nairobi quickly and safely. I trust he will continue to improve and fully recover."
We are excited to be able to provide some flights for the community
