A resident of Kendu Bay in Rachuonyo North Sub-County, Homa Bay County, is appealing for financial assistance to facilitate an urgent cancer surgery.
Benard Okello Okongo, aged 68, who is bedridden and unable to fend for his family, is also seeking help from well-wishers to enable his child to join senior secondary school.
He is battling stage three cancer of the leg and urgently requires surgery at Tenwek Hospital, where doctors have recommended amputation of the affected limb to save his life.
At the same time, he is struggling to raise school fees for his child, who has been admitted to Moi Girls School, Sindo.
Okongo has been receiving treatment at Homa Bay County Referral Hospital, where he underwent four sessions of chemotherapy.
However, doctors advised that continuing chemotherapy could severely damage his internal organs, leading to the decision to proceed with surgery and later fit him with a prosthetic leg.
“The doctors explained that more chemotherapy would harm my organs, so they advised that my leg be amputated and replaced with a prosthetic limb,” said Okongo.
The total medical bill for the procedure stands at Sh450,000. Homa Bay County Government, through the Governor’s office, had assisted him with Sh150,000, while his family raised Sh100,000. Despite these contributions, he is still facing a shortfall of Sh200,000.
His financial burden is further compounded by family responsibilities. Okongo’s wife is also undergoing treatment for breast cancer at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret. Additionally, his child, who recently completed Grade 9 after studying at Asumbi Mixed Primary School, is expected to report to Moi Girls School this week, but the family is not in a position to cater for her admission requirements and fees.
“With my illness, my wife’s condition, and my child joining secondary school, the situation has become overwhelming,” he said.
Okongo is now appealing to well-wishers, leaders, and members of the public to support him in raising the remaining medical balance and school-related expenses.
“I humbly ask anyone who can help, even with a small amount. May God bless everyone who comes to our aid,” he added.
Those willing to support Okongo can contact him via mobile number 0795 568 447.
By Sitna Omar
