Vanessa M., 12

Vanessa is a 12-year-old girl from a village and the third-born in a family of six children. Her father runs a small business, earning about KSh 3,000 per month. Vanessa has lost hope for the future, as she believes that people with sickle cell disease cannot live beyond 25 years. She had been unwell for three days and, during her hospital visit, discovered that there was a monthly clinic she had never attended before. It was there that she came across Helpster Charity, which supported her by providing free services. Venessa has struggled to attend school regularly because of her chronic condition. During her visit, it took an hour of counseling to help her understand that with consistent medication and by following her doctor’s advice, she can live well beyond 20 years. She was diagnosed, given medication, and reassured about her future.

Vanessa was diagnosed with mild vaso occlusive crisis and moderate anemia she was treated antibiotics and anemic drugs together with rehydrating fluids she was stable and released to go home, appreciated Helpster Charity Organization for being there for her.

Vanessa’s prognosis is guarded but hopeful. With sickle cell disease, her long-term health will largely depend on how consistently she takes her medications, attends follow-up clinics, and avoids triggers that can cause crises. Without proper care, she risks frequent pain episodes, severe anemia, and complications that could shorten her lifespan. However, since she has now been linked to regular care through the monthly clinic and supported by Helpster Charity, her outlook is much brighter.