As a beacon of hope, On Eagles Wings Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides vital assistance to families in Africa, the Philippines, and India impacted by childhood cancer, while also caring for the elderly and children in poverty. Being born and raised in Kenya I saw the effects the environment had on the people, especially those who are poor and afflicted with cancer. I personally deal with these families and help them directly. According to national guidelines for cancer management in Kenya, cancer ranks third as the cause of morbidity and mortality. Kenya is carrying a heavy burden which is largely triggered by a shortage of cancer specialist and scarcity of chemotherapy in major hospitals. The pressure ripples the patient and their families causing those that are poor to wait in line for a long time increasing their mortality rate. Bills pile up and families end up spending their meager resources on the maintenance of the disease. There are some organizations that give occasional help to the patients but not to the devastated families.The gap that is left after the battle is won or lost is the main focus for my efforts. As little as $5 to an affected family can go along way. These family members act as the caretakers of the sick children, but they are not allowed to sleep in the ward and thereby have to look for alternative accommodation outside the hospital. Either with friends, relatives, or renting small rooms within some informal settlements. Most of these families cannot afford a decent meal a day, fare to and from the hospital, or other basic needs. I aim to help with these basic needs like food, shelter, transportation during this difficult time. I also seek to help them get back to their livelihoods after the disease without suffering hunger or discounting important aspects in their lives like education. I would also follow after they have lost their children to cancer and help them cope with the grief. With your generous support we can reach out to more families and revive their hope in life, support their recovery. and introduce the love of Jesus Christ to them in their dire need.
- Juliana Kitenge
