MEET EDWIN, a bright and energetic student at TKP's Nentekeny campus. At six years old, Edwin has already received life-saving health interventions, thanks to YOUR generous support of TKP's student health and wellness programs. We recently sat down with Edwin, his parents, Simon and Elizabeth, and Belvin Potishoi, TKP’s Student Health Officer to learn more about how they navigated Edwin’s recent health crisis.
[Note: responses edited for length and clarity.]
Tell us how you discovered Edwin’s health condition.
Simon: We discovered a problem when doctors [Amos and Belvin, TKP’s Student Health Officers] visited his school. They informed me that my son had an irregular heartbeat. I took him to a local hospital, and they carried out an X-ray but told me my child was okay. The doctors at the school pursued the issue and connected our family with a specialist. A scan was done at the hospital, and doctors discovered there was a growth in his heart, so his heart was beating faster and straining.
Belvin: When we first examined Edwin, we heard an irregular heartbeat or a murmur. We referred him to Tenwek Hospital, where an echocardiogram was done, and he was diagnosed with a sub-aortic ridge membrane, which was causing obstruction.
Were there any obstacles to getting treatment?
Belvin: Yes, even after we were referred for surgery, there were several complications. Edwin had the flu, then his liver enzymes were elevated, and of course, there was scheduling the surgery with the hospital and doctors. There were also financial constraints for the family. Our TKP team helped the family sign up for NHIF, the National Health Insurance Fund in Kenya. This supplement covered a portion of the cost of the surgery. With the help of our donors, TKP paid for the remaining cost.
Also, his parents have four children and work so both were not available to take him for check-ups. That’s another way Amos and I could help the family personally… we took Edwin to Tenwek (about two hours from Kilgoris) with his parents to help them understand his required care and communicate with doctors and nurses.
How did you feel on the day of the surgery?
Simon, Edwin and Elizabeth at their home.
Elizabeth: When they took him to get the surgery, I was too terrified to do work. I kept calling for updates because I wasn't there [She stayed home with her other young children]. I felt so relieved when his dad called me with the good news…the surgery was successful, and he had been taken to recover. The next day, I was told they observed him and there were no complications, and after a few more days, they came home. Now, my job is to take care of him as the doctors have advised!
Belvin, can you share more about the condition and what may have happened without intervention?
Belvin: Edwin had an obstruction of a heart valve, which prevented his blood from coming out and circulating throughout the whole body. With this condition, the lifespan is quite short because as the patient grows, the obstruction becomes larger. It is advisable to have the surgery while the child is young for a quick recovery.
I would like to add that his case was unique because his recovery was very quick. It only took three days. I think it was a miracle. We are really proud as the TKP health team because it gives us strength and motivation to continue this work and reach out to many other students with conditions that may go undetected due to lack of access to primary care.
Edwin, can you share your favorite thing about school?
Edwin: Reading is my favorite and Kiswahili is my favorite subject. I love playing soccer. My best friends in school are Patrick and Latoo.
Do you remember anything from your time at the hospital?
Edwin: Yes! My dad brought me juice, oranges and chicken. The doctor I remember is doctor Amos [TKP’s Student Health Officer]. When I grow up, I want to become a doctor like Amos and help people.
Elizabeth, have you noticed a difference in your son since the surgery?
Elizabeth: Yes, he has more energy, he is not as sensitive to cold weather, and he is eating well and enjoying school.
My husband and I want to thank the community of The Kilgoris Project and the healthcare community who helped our son and relieved so many obstacles and burdens so that he could have this life-changing surgery. We are grateful.