“We saved a young girl’s life today.” -- Jay Buxton, Edmond Rotary Club.
 

In less than two days, Edmond Rotary Club and many others “saved a young girl’s life,” quipped one of the members.

“Judy” is 13 and lives in an orphanage in Kisii, Kenya, that provides for children who are not allowed to attend regular schools due to various ailments or deformities.

Her doctor felt he could save her life if she would have immediate surgery – the week the plea when out – OR the consequences would be dire.

A malignant tumor had started in her nose and has spread rapidly to her eye.  It hadn't reached her brain, but time wasn’t on her side, said club member Chris Koehler who helped coordinated the effort to help Judy.

 “I have seen the pictures and her face looks atrocious. It's horrible,” said Koehler. 

Koehler’s business partner, Paul Neal, was in Kisii for several weeks donating money and time to this orphanage.  His physician’s assistant told him about these children several months ago and they took a trip there together.  She is on the orphanage's board along with the wife of the Kisii governor and “Lilian,” the orphanage contact.

“Paul called and said ‘Chris these people really need some help.’” Koehler did some quick work with the club’s international arm and board, and together they decided this would be a great use of Edmond and district dollars. Let’s see if we can get her to the United States for surgery.

Later that day, the little girl's doctor in Nairobi emailed the CT scans along with all of the medical records which here in America must be sent directly to a referring specialist.  The Edmond contingent reached out to several U.S. hospitals and other charitable organizations which specialize in helping minors with cancer at no cost.

The Rotarians ran into all kinds of red tape because hospitals couldn't take medical records directly from the Rotarian, not to mention they still had the issue of getting the little girl a visa.  All this was Plan A, which was to get her care here in the United States.  Koehler had some British Airways miles which would get her here and back for about $200 but British Airways wouldn't allow Koehler to donate them to someone else.  They do have a charity program, but it too was a process.

Judy’s doctor said if we didn’t have this worked out quickly, she would need to go into surgery in Nairobi at the Texas Cancer Center immediately. The Rotarians decided it would be detrimental to wait. Approximately $4,000 was needed. The Kisii Rotary Club also pitched in.

The Edmond club quickly did a “bucket pass” to raise dollars and then worked with Chuck Musgrave and others at the district level for an Emergency District Grant with matching dollars from Edmond Rotary. Fortunately, the district funds were still available from the previous year.

Koehler’s business partner said he would cover any shortage needed and made good on wiring $700 immediately.  Several anonymous Rotarians put in another $650 and the Edmond club had a little extra in the grants account left over for future projects as well.

As of Valentines Day, Judy had 15 more days of radiation and three cycles of chemo left before another  surgery.  She said “I felt air go through the sick side of nose.” That hasn't happened for a long time.  Clearly, her life was saved due to the efforts of a number of caring people, including Greg White, international chair.

This is what Rotary is all about. Thank you to all!