Andrew S., 17

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.

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.”

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.