The Last Mile of Cancer Care & Support

By Pamela Okutoyi

In the quiet town of Nakuru, Kenya, life had always unfolded in a lovely way for Jane Karimi. Blessed with a loving family, a circle of close friends, and a thriving business, her world was a tapestry of joy and fulfillment. The sunsets painted the sky with warmth, mirroring the contentment she felt within.

But in the winter of 2021, an unforeseen storm emerged on the horizon of Jane’s life. It was a storm that no one can prepare for, no matter how serene their existence may have been. A routine check-up revealed the unimaginable – a diagnosis of gastric cancer. Jane’s life was about to take an unexpected and arduous turn.

This diagnosis shook her to the core. It was a life-altering moment that instantly reshaped her reality. In the blink of an eye, she found herself thrust into a world filled with uncertainty, fear, and an uphill battle against a formidable adversary – cancer.

In her quest for healing and hope, Jane embarked on a journey to find the right treatment. Historically, the search for quality cancer care in Kenya often meant long and exhausting trips to Nairobi or even abroad. But Jane’s story was about to take a different course, thanks to the hope that had emerged on the Kenyan healthcare landscape.

Jane Karimi 1
Jane Karimi

Jane found herself at the ACC, the Aroha Cancer Centre, a holistic cancer centre spearheading cancer care and management in Kenya. What set this Centre apart was not only its state-of-the-art medical facilities but also its commitment to providing world-class care in the outskirts of Nairobi. The ACC was a ray of hope for patients who once had to embark on harrowing journeys in search of treatment.

The Centre was the brainchild of Dr. Joshua and Pastor Francis, two individuals whose lives were deeply touched by the challenges of cancer care in Kenya. Both had witnessed the struggles of their own family members as they faced the daunting road to cancer treatment. Their personal experiences ignited a passionate determination to make a difference.

With the unwavering support of our Small and Growing Business programme in Kenya, Kua Ventures, the ACC was born. Kua Ventures delivered capital to ACC to buy equipment for Cancer treatment. It became a haven for cancer patients, offering not just cutting-edge treatments but also a compassionate community of doctors and nurses.

Under the watchful eyes of these dedicated professionals, Jane’s cancer journey took a remarkable turn. She received personalized care, tailored to her unique needs, and world-class treatment that was once only available abroad.

At ACC, Jane was not just another patient; she was a person with a name, a face, and a story. Her team of caregivers became more than just medical professionals; they became pillars of strength, support, and love.

“In September 2022, I completed my last chemotherapy cycle at the Centre,” Jane says with a radiant smile. “I received the best service at ACC. The nurses at the centre were like mothers to me. Starting my cancer treatment journey at ACC was the best decision I made.”

Today, Jane continues to live her life with renewed hope, all thanks to the care and expertise of the ACC team. She’s living proof of the difference your support is making. She has turned the page on a chapter that could have easily been one of despair, and instead, she writes a story of resilience and hope.

Jane’s story is a testament to the profound impact the ACC has had on the lives of cancer patients in Kenya. Pastor Francis, Co-founder of the Centre, humbly acknowledges the role that donors like you have played in this journey.

“As a Pastor,” he says, “what other business can I do to complement my work at the pulpit than service to my congregation? When I care for cancer patients, I am fulfilled because I know I am making a difference in my community.”

The ACC is not content to rest on its laurels. The team continues to push the boundaries, researching and discovering new treatment options to ensure that patients like Jane have multiple avenues to fight cancer. This is the work that your generous support is funding.

As you read this story, we invite you to explore the full impact report on our website, where you can witness the tangible achievements made possible by your generosity. Jane’s story is just one of many that demonstrate the power of your support.

Join us in extending a hand of hope, healing, and support to more individuals like Jane. Your compassion and generosity are the driving force behind the transformation of lives in Kenya. Together, we are making the impossible, possible.