At just 18 years old, Rahma’s life changed dramatically when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Raised by her elderly grandmother, who also cares for six other orphaned grandchildren, the family struggled to afford treatment, relying on small donations from relatives.
After years of gruelling travel to receive treatment, almost 250 miles from her home in Garissa to hospital in Nairobi, Rahma was declared cancer free. However, just a year later, she started experiencing troubling symptoms—diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, blood in her stool, extreme fatigue, and weight loss. Her local community health volunteer, trained by Hospice Care Kenya, recognised the need to refer her to hospital. There, she received devastating news: her cancer had returned. Financially drained from the first round of treatment, her family struggled to support her care.
In 2022, Rahma was enrolled in Garissa Palliative Care Unit where she has been receiving support ever since including comprehensive symptom management, particularly for severe bone pain. The palliative care team, in collaboration with community health promoters, provide regular home visits, and psychological and practical support for both Rahma and her family.
Today aged 25, Rahma has found relief from pain and gained a better understanding of her illness. Her family, especially her grandmother, has also received guidance and support in managing her condition.
“The palliative care team has helped me and my family understand my condition and manage my symptoms well. Most of the time I have been pain-free and this has greatly improved my quality of life.”
-Rahma, aged 25 from Garissa county
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