Kenyan Mother's Final Plea for Blood Donations on Facebook

Nancy Karenga recently shared an emotional message on social media asking for blood donations, one of several posts she has written. A 43-ye...

• Nancy Karenga recently shared an emotional message on social media asking for blood donations, one of several posts she has written.
• A 43-year-old mother, who frequently assisted those in need even while battling her own illness, passed away a few days later, leaving her children behind.
• Support for her farewell can be provided through M-Pesa to Pauline Waruhari at 0769775335.

A Kenyan woman, who had been battling a severe blood condition, passed away shortly after sharing a heartfelt request for blood and platelet donations on her Facebook page.

Nancy Karenga, who was receiving medical care at Nairobi West Hospital, passed away following a long struggle with leukemia.

Nancy Karenga's final Facebook update

Her son, Tevin Bobby, saidArticlepedia Today.co.kethat her body is now in Nyeri, waiting for a requiem mass on Wednesday at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Ridgeways.

Nancy shared her last update on November 17 at 5:07 pm, pleading with Kenyans to assist her as her health worsened quickly.

"Hello everyone, I need platelets and blood. I'm experiencing internal bleeding. Please hurry and save my life," she wrote. It turned out to be her final public message.

Three days prior, the 43-year-old had shared a desperate call for donors at the Nairobi Hospital Cancer Centre.

She disclosed that she required six units of blood but was experiencing haemolysis, indicating that her body was breaking down the blood she had received.

"If you are able to come and donate, please inform them that the donation is intended for Nancy Wambui Karenga. Any blood type is acceptable since they will be exchanging it. Your assistance would mean a great deal," she implored.

Nancy Karenga's painful journey

Previously, she had posted a very heartfelt message detailing the extreme exhaustion and ongoing infections that had severely affected her health.

"I'm extremely exhausted. Even simple tasks I once handled effortlessly, such as eating, now seem like climbing a mountain. My body is weakening, but my spirit remains determined to keep going," she wrote.

Although tired, Nancy stayed optimistic that Kenyans would support her in gathering the money required for a bone marrow transplant, her last opportunity to live.

Nancy's struggle started in 2023 after she was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a disorder that impacts the bone marrow's capacity to generate proper blood cells.

This year, it developed into Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, a rapidly progressing and deadly form of cancer. Physicians indicated that her survival was uncertain without an immediate transplant.

How much Nancy Karenga required for treatment

She had already obtained approval for treatment at Assalam International Hospital in Egypt, where the procedure would take place.

Nevertheless, she required KSh 8 million to pay for the transplant, as well as travel and lodging for both her and her donor.

"Any support, regardless of how small, will help me get closer to life and hope," she requested in her fundraising message.

Companions, family members, and supporters united to promote her posts on online platforms, yet the assistance arrived too late.

How to assist with Nancy Karenga's funeral arrangements

Nancy's health declined quickly, and she died, causing deep sorrow and unfulfilled hopes.

With ongoing tributes, many recall Nancy not just for her courage but also for her steadfast optimism, a young woman who struggled until the end, seeking only an opportunity to live.

Support for Nancy Karenga's farewell can be provided through M-Pesa to Pauline Waruhari at 0769775335.

"We thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and thoughtful messages during this very challenging period," Tevin concluded.