Ann W., 16

Ann is a 16-year-old girl from a rural village, living with her parents who work as temporary casual laborers on a neighboring farm in another village. The family earns about KES 4,000 per month. Ann is in Grade 9 at a local secondary school and dreams of becoming a teacher. She is a dedicated student, determined to one day support her parents. Ann has been living with sickle cell disease since childhood. For the past three days, she has been unwell, experiencing joint pain, general body weakness, and dizziness. Her school has reported frequent absences this term. During her last clinic visit five months ago, she was found to have low blood levels, but her family could not afford the recommended treatment.

Ann, a known sickle cell anemia patient, was experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis and also had moderate anemia. She received treatment that included antibiotics, rehydration fluids, and medication for sickle cell management. Once her condition stabilized, she was discharged from the hospital to continue treatment at home. During a follow-up call from a Helpster volunteer, her mother expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the quality care and support provided by Helpster Charity.

Ann 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.