Seventeen year old Margaret, graced us with her presence from all the way from Nakuru, Kenya. As one of six siblings, she places family at the center of her life, alongside her Christian studies. Driven by the desire to help those in need, she hopes to one day become a nurse. She believes that, if she continues to work hard after surgery, she can succeed at anything.

Margaret visited the Cure facility in 2021 for acute onset of back pain. Her acute-on-chronic back pain was so debilitating that not only was she unable to participate in the school and sibling sport activities she loves, but she was also forced to halt some of her studies. This limitation also weighed heavily on her mother and father, who are very supportive of her lifestyle. Upon her second return in October 2022 to the clinic, The Carolyn Jane Foundation Team, along with the Cure Hospital spine surgeons, diagnosed Margaret with  scoliosis of the thoracolumbar region due to an autoimmune disease called neurofibromatosis. This means she developed growths within her spine, causing deformity and a dangerous curve of her upper back. Due to a lastminute opening, Margaret and her family were notified just a week before surgery was scheduled. Because of the distance from the clinic, this gave Margaret and her family less than three days to prepare for the important and life changing procedure. Yet her faith and desire to live a better, pain-free life empowered her and her family to react quickly, and Margaret was able to make her scheduled appointment.

The medical team corrected the curve, with the intention of restoring and stabilizing her spine. The surgery was successful, and Margaret flourished in its wake, even enjoying her rehabilitation time. She stated she was “feeling good and appreciates the Carolyn Jane Foundation team and Cure doctors” for what they’ve enabled her to do. She couldn’t wait to get home to resume her activities and studies. Her mother showed a similar level appreciation, and showered the staff with daily blessings and expressions of gratitude.

Margaret’s story is one of many successes with the Carolyn Jane Foundation at Cure Kenya. The positivity and optimism of the population served by the clinic is truly inspirational to witness. Even with such limited time to prepare, patients like Margaret are willing to travel great distances to seek help and a
better life. The impact throughout Kenya is visible and lasting, and serves not only the patients themselves, but the surgeons who benefit from the education, and the families and friends of all within reach. Cure Hospital prides itself in its optimal environment and its ability to touch lives and restore hope.