39-year-old Doris Njoka has appealed for help to raise Sh6.3 million for three crucial surgeries that could change the course of her life. Doris’ struggle began in 2008, when she was involved in a devastating car accident near Kimbiti, along the Sagana-Nairobi highway, that left her paralyzed from the chest downwards. Her life, once full of normalcy, has since been marked by a string of medical challenges, and she now faces yet another hurdle in her ongoing fight for health and independence.
Doris vividly recalls the events of that fateful day. She, her sister, and her sister’s 10-month-old child were traveling from Nairobi to Meru when a truck collided with their car from behind. Her sister was driving at the time, and Doris was later found under the car, severely injured. The crash left her with a spinal injury that paralyzed her, alongside broken ribs and a damaged hand. Doris spent three months at Kenyatta National Hospital, where doctors performed surgery to insert metal into her spine to stabilize her condition. While her hand eventually healed, the damage to her spinal cord led to permanent paralysis, significantly altering her life.
It took three difficult years of recovery before Doris could even walk again, though she relied on walking sticks for support. As if this wasn’t enough, in 2011, Doris was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The thyroid, a small gland in the neck, plays a vital role in regulating essential bodily functions such as heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism. Doris underwent surgery to remove her thyroid gland and was treated with radioactive iodine, which required her to be isolated due to the radiation.
Living without a thyroid means Doris must rely on supplements to replace the hormones that regulate her body’s vital functions. These medications are lifelong, and without them, her health would rapidly deteriorate.
In 2017, Doris’ battle with her health took yet another unfortunate turn. She began experiencing weakness and sought medical help. Doctors diagnosed her with osteoarthritis of the hip, a painful and degenerative condition likely caused by the car accident. Osteoarthritis is a condition that worsens over time, causing stiffness, swelling, and pain in the joints. For Doris, the condition has made even the simplest tasks, like bending over, rising from a chair, or taking a short walk, incredibly painful and difficult. Her hips are now locked in place, severely restricting her mobility. The only viable solution is a hip replacement surgery, which Doris urgently needs but cannot afford.
Experts note that while there is no cure for osteoarthritis, early intervention and treatment can slow its progression and help manage the pain. However, for Doris, these treatments come at a steep cost. The financial burden of her medical needs has become overwhelming, and she requires Sh6.3 million to cover the cost of the necessary surgeries.
Doris is now reaching out to the public for help. Her need is urgent, and she is appealing for any financial assistance that can help her achieve the life-changing surgeries she desperately needs. Without these procedures, her quality of life will continue to deteriorate, and her independence will be further diminished.
For those who wish to help, contributions can be made to Doris Njoka’s pay bill number: 8056249. Every contribution, no matter how small, will go a long way in helping Doris regain her health and mobility.
Her journey has been one of resilience, but she now needs your support to overcome this next challenge. Let us come together and help Doris get the medical treatment she needs to restore her life.
