On 9 March 2024, the Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi were the place to be as the Malaika Disability Foundation hosted their third annual Malaika Disability Walk. Dedicated to increasing awareness about children with disabilities and raising funds for their treatment at AIC-CURE Children’s Hospital of Kenya (CURE Kenya), the event drew participants from all walks of life united in support of this noble cause.
Community Involvement
Daddy Owen, Founder of the Malaika Disability Foundation and CURE Kenya partner, coordinated the event. Daddy Owen’s passion for supporting persons with disabilities was evident as he greeted families, friends, and supporters who gathered early in the morning, donning their sporty outfits and ready to walk. Each step they took symbolized their commitment to creating a more accessible world for children facing physical challenges. The event was attended by around 1100 people from three schools and six children’s homes.
Participants immersed themselves in various activities, from the main walk (just under 4 kilometers) to the live and engaging performances from different gospel musicians. The children also had a chance to showcase their dancing skills, adding a touch of fun to the event.
The primary objective of the Malaika Disability Walk was to raise funds for life-changing surgeries for children with physical challenges. The event was proof of a community’s commitment to these children, with generous donations from sponsors and attendees. No matter how small, each contribution represented a lifeline for those needing essential medical treatment and support services. The sale of official event T-shirts also contributed to the fundraiser, furthering the event’s impact on these children’s lives. So far, at least seven children will have surgery and their lives will be transformed.
More Than Just a Fundraiser
The Malaika Disability Walk was not only a fundraiser. The event also sparked crucial conversations about disability rights and inclusion. By supporting children with disabilities and their families, the Malaika Disability Foundation paves the way for greater awareness and advocacy in the broader community.
Some of the attendees were children who were treated at CURE Kenya, including Swaburah. After having surgery at the hospital, she was able to walk with her foot properly on the ground and not on her toes. She gained a lot of confidence and made more friends.
Swaburah spoke to the walk’s attendees. “My name is Swaburah, and I am in class seven. Before I went to CURE Kenya, I couldn’t walk properly because of my physical challenge. I am so grateful to CURE, who helped me walk properly through surgery!” she shared.
Supporting these children does not stop after the Malaika Disability Walk. By donating here, you can make surgery possible for more kids like Swaburah. Kindly join us and be the reason a child’s life is transformed forever.
About AIC-CURE Children’s Hospital of Kenya
CURE Kenya has been a place of hope since opening its doors in 1998. We were Africa’s first orthopedic teaching hospital when it opened in Kijabe. More than just providing life-changing surgeries, CURE cares for the emotional and spiritual needs of all our patients. Our teaching hospital has 47 beds, four operating rooms, and an outpatient clinic.
