PCEA Ushindi Church to host cancer patient fundraiser

By Richard Mutumba – Ajabu Africa.com, posted June 29, 2010

Another form of rarely mentioned cancer (Ovarian ), that affects women all over the world has visited one Kenyan family,disrupting every part of their lives.

As a result, a fundraising event is being organized to raise money for treatment of Monica Njuguna, sister to Annie Ngugi, (formerly of Haverhill Massachusetts and now residing in Woburn) which will take place at the Ushindi Presbyterian church in Lowell on July 11th immediately after the church service   

Monica’s medical expenses and upkeep have left her family in a financial strain “and we are asking the Kenyan community in the US to assist in the continued treatment of our Sister Monica.”

Monica was diagnosed with the deadly cancer on June 22, 2007 and the family was informed she had less than six months to live.  The first attempt for surgery was unsuccessful because the cancer had spread to the bladder, kidney and liver. At the time, the Doctors had given her six months to live.

Over the last three years we have sought God and prayed for a miracle and true to his word, he heard our prayers and Monica underwent the first of many rounds of chemotherapy. After the first couple of chemotherapy treatments, the tumors had shrunk enough to allow the Doctors to do a total hysterectomy.

Monica Njuguna, suffering from a serious form of Ovarian cancer

          She has had to endure more than 3 rounds of chemotherapy.  One round of chemotherapy consists of no less than six treatments.  Monica has been so sick and has been admitted to various hospitals in Kenya several times over the last three years. 

With no insurance, the cost of maintaining her has weighed heavily on the family.  We are not always on time for chemotherapy, which unfortunately means, there is a change and we have to start all over again.  At the same time laboratory tests, scans and ultra-sound is way out of our reach.

Ovarian cancer is a cancerous growth arising from different parts of the ovary. Most ovarian cancers are classified as "epithelial" and are believed to arise from the surface of the ovary. However, recent evidence suggests that the Fallopian tube could also be the source of some ovarian cancers. Since the ovaries and tubes are closely related to each other, it is hypothesized that these cells can mimic ovarian cancer. Other types arise from the egg cells or supporting cells.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of death from cancer in women and the leading cause of death from gynecological cancer. And here in the United States, for example 25,580 new cases were diagnosed and 16,090 women died of the cancer in 2004 alone. The risk is said to increase with age and decreases with pregnancy.

Chemotherapy treatment in Kenya typically cost anywhere between Kshs.50, 000-70,000 and the patient has to buy the medication for the Doctor. Drugs are not always available and they are costly.

Monica is currently very weak and requires immediate treatment.  She also requires tests to determine the level of treatment needed.  Speaking to various Hospitals in the US, they would be willing to assist with treatment, but only if the Patient is here.  She is too weak and needs to be stabilized in Kenya before she can attempt to travel.

It is for this reason, therefore that the fundraiser has been arranged on July 11, to raise money for treatment in Kenya and God willing attempt to fly her here for further treatment.   Every concerned member of the Kenyan community in New England and beyond is invited to attend.

Friends and well wishers who can not make it to the actual fundrasing are requested to make their depoists at:

Bank of America
Name: ANNIE NGUGI
Savings Account No: 0046-3138-2928
Zip Code : 01801
You can also contact Annie by email at : blackd1977@yahoo.com

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