Michael N., 18

Michael is an 18-year-old student living with sickle cell disease. He came to the clinic with complaints of joint pain and frequent fatigue. Over the past year, he has been admitted twice due to sickle cell crises and once for severe anemia, which required a blood transfusion. This year, he has already had one admission related to a sickle cell crisis. He also reports occasional chest pain. Despite his health challenges, Michael is determined to keep up with his studies, although he missed several weeks of school last term because of fatigue and recurrent infections. Michael is currently in Form Four at a rural day school. He comes from a humble background, his parents earn less than KSh 150 per day. The family lives in a modest two-room mud-walled hut and relies on a stream, a 20-minute walk away, for drinking water. Despite the hardships, Michael is a cheerful and ambitious young man who enjoys spending time with his friends and dreams of becoming a medical professional one day if given the necessary support.

Michael, who has sickle cell disease, was diagnosed with moderate anemia. He was treated with antibiotics, rehydration fluids, and medication specific to sickle cell management. As his condition improved, he was discharged to continue his recovery at home. During a follow-up call, a Helpster volunteer spoke with his relieved and happy mother, who shared that Michael has fully recovered and returned to his usual routine, including going back to school. She added, “I was so scared when he got sick and wasn’t improving even after using local herbs. Receiving proper hospital care has been the greatest blessing for our family. Thank you so much.”

He was treated and given drugs needed and if this could have not done on time it could have resulted toorgan damage, pain, and increased risk of infection .