Martha

Martha (not her real name) is 20 years old and lives in a rural village with her brother, sister in law and their 3 children in a small bamboo house. Her parents died many years ago and it tore the family apart. 

Two years ago her legs began to swell and she found it painful to walk. The family saved what money they could to send her to the hospital. The doctors diagnosed her with rheumatoid arthritis, started her on medication and made a referral to a rheumatology consultant. At this point the family had used up all their savings and there was no money left for further treatment so Martha returned home. Over the next year, Martha’s symptoms got progressively worse, she dropped out of school and could barely leave the house. Her whole body became swollen, from her face down to her toes. Every movement because excruciatingly painful and she was often tired and short of breath. 

When we met Martha, she was acutely unwell and had lost all hope. It wasn’t difficult to see the pain she was in. She timidly told us her story, the pain, the hopelessness and the fear. We asked Martha what her dreams were for the future, at which she let out a nervous laugh and with some gentle persuasion, she told us she loves animals and wanted to be a vet. At that point she broke down and wept. 

We took Martha to the hospital where they immediately ordered multiple tests including blood, X-rays and ECG’s and sent her home on medication awaiting test results. Three days later we returned to the hospital where she was diagnosed with Lupus and immediately admitted with an enlarged heart and inflamed kidneys. Lupus is an autoimmune disease with no cure but symptoms can be managed to maintain a good quality of life. Since then Martha has deteriorated, however, the care she is getting from the hospital is exceptional and we are confident in her determination to fight this disease.

We continue to love and support Martha and her family through friendship, encouragement, regular hospital visits, and financial provision to cover all medical costs. We know this is a long road but we are committed to seeing Martha thriving, healthy, back in school, and dreaming of her future as a vet.