Former Model And Cancer Survivor Named Brand Ambassador of Nairobi Hospice

Nairobi Hospice has announced that Bidanya Barassa, a former model as the new brand champion of the organization.

The Hospice saw the need to create awareness on palliative and hospice care to the public and Miss Bidanya fit the role as she is passionate about creating cancer awareness.

Nairobi Hospice is a non-profit organization that provides palliative care for patients living with life-limiting diseases like Cancer, HIV and Aids, and their families. Palliative care (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. It focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain, and stresses of a serious illness—whatever the diagnosis. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.

As a cancer victoress, Bidanya fully understands what both the patient and their families/care givers go through. “I knew I was going to beat cancer, I had done a lot of reading and was determined to beat the disease. However, my family who were my main care givers were totally overwhelmed by everything that was going on”, said Bidanya as she met the Board of Directors of Nairobi Hospice.

“We need to correctly articulate what the Hospice is doing; that it’s not a place to come and die but it gives hope through personal care. We believe having Bidanya on board will help the hospice pass this important message across”, said Mr. Mugo wa Karanja, a board member of Nairobi Hospice.

Nairobi Hospice is the first institution of its kind in East Africa, slowly gaining recognition from the public and making strides in the improvement of palliative care. However, over 90% of the patients served cannot afford the already subsidized services and Nairobi Hospice serves them free. Every year, Nairobi Hospice has a series of events that seek to generate funds to facilitate its day to day running. Nairobi Hospice has also embarked on a mission to raise the budgeted Ksh. 1 billion required to complete the construction and furnish a comprehensive palliative care facility. The next scheduled event is the 14th edition of the Nairobi Hospice Annual Charity walk which will be held on 27th September, 2014 at the Hillcrest International School.