- Request received23/05/2025
- Checked & confirmed14/08/2025
- Fundraising14/08/2025
- Treatment provided17/09/2025
- Invoice paid06/10/2025
- Case closed28/11/2025
Why is treatment sometimes done earlier than the payment?
When a case is urgent and vital, hospitals often proceed with delivering medical care right away to save a life, even before the finalisation of admission procedures. Usually, when this happens, hospitals put the bill on our credit until the funds are transferred to their accounts. That’s why the chronology can sometimes be in disorder.
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Andrew S., 17
Report publishedBlood
27
$430
About blood
Sickle cell anemia is a severe form of the inherited blood disorder, sickle cell disease. It’s caused by genetic changes (mutations) that lead to abnormal red blood cells and anemia. Symptoms are fatigue, infections and painful tissue damage. Thanks to early detection and new treatments, about half of people who have sickle cell anemia live into their 50s.
Thank you for saving this life!
100%
$430 raised of $430
Background
Andrew is a 17-year-old boy from a low-income family who has missed school for the past two days due to illness. He lives with his parents and elder brother, who, together with their father, are the family’s sole breadwinners. They run a small business at the local market, earning only a modest profit that varies with daily sales. Despite these challenges, Andrew remains hardworking and hopeful, with dreams of becoming a doctor. He enjoys playing football. The family lives in two habitable rooms, shares a pit latrine in the compound, and survives on one meal a day, occasionally managing two. Their combined monthly income is about 3,000 Ksh. Andrew has sickle cell disease and was brought to the hospital by his mother while in severe pain. Following a thorough medical evaluation, he was admitted for treatment. For several months, he has been experiencing persistent weakness, which has limited his ability to carry out his daily activities.
Medical history
Andrew, who has sickle cell disease, was admitted to the hospital with severe malaria and anemia. He received treatment including antibiotics, sickle cell medication, and rehydration fluids. Once his condition improved, he was discharged to continue treatment at home and was advised to attend regular outpatient sickle cell clinic visits. During a follow-up call, the Helpster volunteer learned from Andrew’s mother that he is now free from pain and has returned to his normal routine. His mother expressed her heartfelt gratitude, saying, “I can’t describe how worried I was when my son fell ill and was not improving despite using medications from nearby chemists. I sincerely appreciate the support from Helpster Charity. Thank you.”
Prognosis
He was given medication and if it could have remain untreated sickle cell anemia leads to severe health complications, including pain crises, organ damage, stroke, and infections, potentially resulting in premature death. The abnormal, sickle-shaped red blood cells clog blood vessels, restricting oxygen delivery to vital organs and tissues, leading to these problems.
