On April 21st, 2023, CURE Children’s Hospital of Kenya held its first-ever Ability Walk. This event brought together over 1,000 people of all ages and backgrounds to fund surgical care and raise awareness for children with treatable disabilities. The event was attended by the Member of Parliament, East African Legislative Assembly, Hon. Sankok and Kiambu County Women’s Representative, Hon. Anne Muratha, who commended the hospital for its efforts in helping children with disabilities. “I am very happy to witness the work you are doing here. I will work with you, and I am ready to support the mobilization of patients!” said Kiambu County Women Representative Hon. Anne Muratha.
The event drew several gospel musicians who have partnered with CURE in the past. Daddy Owen and Dennis Njoroge participated in the walk. Daddy Owen is a friend of CURE who has taken part in other activities and is very passionate about helping children with disabilities get the help they need. At the end of the walk, there was a short moment for speeches before lunch was served. Daddy Owen had an opportunity to speak, and he encouraged people to extend care and compassion toward those with disabilities: “Let’s come together, and if you know anyone with disabilities, let’s support them!”
We received immense support from some of the organizations that partner with CURE, like Smile Train, ChildFund, and the National Council For Persons With Disabilities. “The council is here and is ready to help people with disabilities to live more fulfilling lives. We are the branch in the government that is there for persons with disabilities!” said Michael Kaburu, from the National Council For Persons With Disabilities regional office in Nakuru.
A Walk with a Purpose
The Ability Walk was more than a fundraising event; it was a symbol of hope for the children who will receive surgeries thanks to the generosity of the participants. The impact of the Ability Walk will be felt by the children who will receive surgeries at CURE Kenya. The funds raised will provide life-changing surgeries for children with clubfoot, cleft lip and palate, and orthopedic conditions. These surgeries will enable children like Drake to lead better lives and reach their full potential.
Drake came to CURE with unilateral clubfoot. Although it was treated with a series of casts and braces–an approach called the Ponseti Method–at age two, his clubfoot returned and worsened. Without medical intervention, his clubfoot could limit his mobility and his educational, social, and financial future. A local hospital referred Drake to CURE Kenya where he had a successful surgery and physical therapy. Drake’s foot is now straight! Generosity from CURE’s faithful partners and donors made Drake’s transformation possible.
The Ability Walk covered a distance of five kilometers, and participants were encouraged to walk at their own pace, regardless of their physical abilities. This inclusivity was a powerful reminder that disability should not limit one’s ability to participate in community activities. In addition to walking to bring surgical care to children in need, attendees planted over 1000 trees as part of the event, highlighting the hospital’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.
A Hospital with a Mission
CURE Kenya has provided surgical care at no cost to children with disabilities for over 20 years. The hospital’s mission is to bring transformational healing to children with disabilities, and the Ability Walk was a reflection of that mission. The event not only raised funds but also created awareness about the hospital’s work and the importance of supporting children with disabilities.
The hospital’s efforts are especially crucial in a society where disability is still stigmatized and misunderstood. By providing surgical care at no cost to families, the hospital is not only transforming the lives of individual children but also challenging negative attitudes towards disability and promoting inclusion. We are grateful to God because we were able to raise over 1 million Kenya Shillings ($8,000 USD), which will allow CURE Kenya to provide surgeries and share the love of Jesus with even more children.
CURE’s Ability Walk was a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting children with disabilities. The funds raised and trees planted will impact the lives of the children who will receive surgeries, enabling them to lead better lives and reach their full potential.
How You Can Get Involved
Learn more about how you can volunteer and help advance CURE’s mission to bring needed surgical care and demonstrate the gospel to children in need.
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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.
