Viewer Discretion Advised: This article contains a sensitive image of a surgical wound and a patient in a hospital setting. The image may be disturbing to some viewers. Please proceed with caution.
I met Nicolina recently after she developed a complication from one of the many surgeries she had gone through. A bubbly, brilliant, and energetic young girl. She came in accompanied by her mother, who surprised me with her knowledge of her daughter’s illness, treatment, and complications.
I listened keenly as she explained and sought our help, and you could tell how much she loved her little girl. We went through her notes and scans and came up with a plan.
What amazed me was this girl’s attention and desire. Though young, she sought to understand what the problem was and how we were planning to solve it. She went on to negotiate with the surgeon about her treatment and what options were available.. “Okay Doctor, I understand what you need to do, but you will not admit me today but tomorrow.” She said. To which her primary doctor agreed.
Nicolina was born with multiple congenital disorders, including Marfanoid Progeroid Lipodystrophy Type 1 and Marfan’s Syndrome
What a lovely young girl. Admittedly, I fell in love with her the moment I interacted with her in the outpatient department. She would engage the nurses with such curiosity and joy.
I remember her walking in the next day and settling into the ward, creating rapport with the entire team and getting to know them. Anytime I would walk in to give her any form of treatment, she would promise to be brave if I agreed to give her stories that were good enough to distract her from the pain. Often, she would prank me by putting tape on my scrubs when I wasn’t looking and burst into laughter when I discovered the tape.
Nicolina Njeri was born on 11 October 2012 as a second-born daughter, she was a pre-term baby because of a Placenta Abruption, which was the start of a long medical journey with a lot of difficulties. She was sickly from day four after birth and in and off hospital until when she was 2yrs.
Nicolina was born with multiple congenital disorders, including Marfanoid Progeroid Lipodystrophy Type 1 and Marfan’s Syndrome, affecting her heart, eyes, lungs, spine, stomach, and blood vessels. Despite undergoing four surgeries in both Kenya and India, her journey is far from over.
After her most recent surgery, Nicolina developed a severe reaction to the metal rods implanted in her spine, leading to infections that have worsened over time. Multiple additional surgeries have not resolved the issue, and her condition now requires urgent close-drainage and rotational flap cover surgery in India.
Right now, she needs to get treatment because she developed a reaction to the rod that was placed to correct the curvature of her spine.
She just turned 12 and has fought battles most of us won’t fight in our lifetime. Despite all she has been through, she still has hope of a promising future. Her mother has been a gallant soldier through it all. She has remained positive and keen throughout the entire process.
I appeal to you, my reader, to consider supporting this pleasant young lady so that she can get the treatment she needs.
URGENT MEDICAL APPEAL FOR NICOLINA
We are seeking to raise $14,000 USD (1.8 million KES) to cover the costs of this life-saving procedure and give Nicolina a chance to recover and live without pain.
How You Can Help:
- Donate via Paybill: 8043261
- Account Name: Nicolina Njeri Medical Fund Drive
Every contribution, no matter how small, brings Nicolina closer to the treatment she desperately needs.
For more information or to offer other forms of support, please contact us:
- RSVP: +254 724 047 277
Together, we can help Nicolina receive the urgent care she needs. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.
May God bless you!
