Quintor Cheruto, an 18-year-old Kenyan teenager, is appealing for financial support to undergo a third kidney transplant after two previous transplants failed, leaving her dependent on dialysis and unable to continue her education.
A decade-long health battle
Cheruto was first diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 2014, initially misdiagnosed as a minor infection that would resolve on its own.
By the time the correct diagnosis was made, her condition had progressed to a stage requiring immediate dialysis treatment, which she underwent for two years.
In 2016, her family raised funds for her first kidney transplant, performed in New Delhi, India, with her father serving as the donor.
The procedure initially restored her health, allowing her to live normally for several years. However, by late 2020, she began experiencing swelling in her feet and face, symptoms that tests confirmed indicated kidney rejection.
Despite strict medication adherence, the transplanted organ failed completely, forcing her back onto dialysis.
Second transplant and complications
With support from family and friends, Cheruto underwent a second transplant in Eldoret in 2021, this time with her aunt as the donor.
The surgery was initially successful, but complications arose later that year when she developed pancreatitis, a severe inflammation of the pancreas.
Cheruto spent two months hospitalised, but doctors could not save the transplanted kidney, marking her second organ failure.
Current struggles and appeal
Since then, Cheruto has been unable to continue her schooling due to severe physical limitations. She experiences leg swelling that prevents her from sitting for extended periods, persistent fatigue, and convulsions that cause her to fall without warning.
The ongoing dialysis treatments and uncertainty surrounding her health have taken a significant toll on both her mental and physical well-being.
Her family is now planning for a third transplant, but the costs remain prohibitive for many Kenyan families.
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Kidney transplants in Kenya range from approximately KSh 600,000 at government facilities like Kenyatta National Hospital to over KSh 2 million at private hospitals, with additional expenses for post-operative care and lifelong immunosuppressive medication.
Cheruto has shared her M-Pesa number, 0713756498, for well-wishers willing to support her medical journey. Her story reflects the broader challenges faced by kidney patients in Kenya, where many must rely on crowdfunding and community support to access life-saving treatment.