Abigael N., 7

Abigael, a 7-year-old girl from a rural community, lives with both parents, though her mother is the sole breadwinner, earning about KSh 2,500 per month from hawking at the local market. The family’s limited income makes it difficult for them to afford even basic healthcare. She was diagnosed with a severe painful crisis and prescribed medication, but due to financial constraints, her family could not purchase the full treatment. With partial support from the hospital, she only managed to take a one-week dose. Since then, her condition has worsened, and she now frequently experiences headaches and fatigue. Without sustained medical support, her health is at risk of deteriorating further and developing serious complications.

Abigael, who has known sickle cell disease, was admitted with a painful crisis. She received antibiotics and rehydrating fluids, and her condition gradually improved. Once she was stable, she was discharged to continue treatment from home. During the follow-up call, the Helpster volunteer spoke to her delighted mother, who reported that Abigael has fully recovered, returned to her usual activities, and is now back in school.

Prognosis is fair, given that she wioll have to be on medication for life if Abigael could have remain untreated pain crisis in sickle cell disease (SCD) could have lead to severe pain, tissue damage, organ damage (including kidneys, liver, and spleen), chronic pain, and can even be fatal.