A Life Altered, For Good!
Mesianae’s young life has been challenging, and her story is not an easy one to tell.
At just 10 years old, she already had to face obstacles that would test the resilience of anyone – let alone a small child.
This is her story…
Noticing a swelling on her right arm when she was five, her parents initially thought it would disappear over time and were not alarmed. Yet, due to possible stigmas attached to her condition, her father decided to keep her separate from the family, and she was taken to stay with a relative.
While trying her best in school, Mesianae’s condition was quite debilitating, and she struggled to do well. By the time she was in fourth grade in 2023, her schooling was sporadically interrupted due to constant bleeding from the protrusion – which also gave her many sleepless nights.
Despite being sympathetic, Mesianae’s teachers found it hard to ensure her safety given the protruding bone in her arm. The situation called for a higher level of care and attention, so eventually, they made a plea for urgent medical intervention. The relatives Mesianae stayed with wanted to help, but couldn't cover the medical expenses, and they asked her parents to take her back home…
The Burden of Stigma
Back at her family’s manyatta (homestead), Mesianae’s condition turned into a source of stigma after all – and not just for her, but also for her cousin, who suffered from the same condition too. This unfortunate circumstance led to a perception of a 'bad omen,' and sadly cast a shadow over the family’s position in the community.
In a moment of despair, Mesianae’s parents reached out to our Nomadic Healthcare Team, who are known for supporting children in distress. It was a turning point in her story.
The Road to Healing
Mesianae’s medical journey revealed a rare genetic disorder – hereditary multiple osteochondromas (HMO), which is also known as hereditary multiple exostoses (HME). The condition is characterised by multiple growths of benign cartilage-capped bone tumors that grow outward from long bones.
Removing it requires surgical intervention, but once our team got involved, the wheels were set in motion for Mesianae’s healing to begin! Thanks to their diligent efforts as well as the expertise of Dr. Daniele – an orthopaedic trauma surgeon – her life changed profoundly at 9am on 6 December 2023. After a successful surgery at the Samburu County Referral Hospital in Maralal, Mesianae’s next chapter finally dawned.
Homecoming and gratitude
It was a profound moment of joy and relief when Mesianae – accompanied by our nurse and her father – returned home after their long journey from the hospital. During the drive back, her father reinforced his commitment to his daughter’s education and future, and shared more about the stigma Mesianae and her family had endured. He also relayed some interesting stories about his brother’s child, who has the same condition but in a milder form.
As we share Mesianae’s story, we are reminded of the ripple effects of kindness, the strength of the human spirit, and the power of hope to overcome adversity. We’re so excited to see Mesianae flourish and thrive – and can’t wait to see how the rest of her journey will unfold!
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Daniele and the team Samburu County Referral Hospital, as well as our unwavering Nomadic Healthcare Team. Ashe oleng!