Renowned Journalist and Feted Author Now Suffering From Blood Cancer #TeamKevin

According to the Centre of Disease Control (CDC) each year worldwide, approximately 14 million are diagnosed with cancer with 8 million people succumbing to the disease. The number itself is astounding!

In Kenya’s media industry 2 people have been diagnosed with cancer, Janet Kanini Ikua of NTV and Anjlee Gadvi , A K24 senior reporter.

Now a famed journalist and author of the book “Invisible – Stories from Kenya’s Queer Community“ has been diagnosed with a type of blood cancer- called Multiple Myeloma that occurs in the plasma cells of the bone marrow causing his plasma cells to become malignant and in turn weakened his bones. A disease that has prevented him from engaging in his favorite activity: running.This is because his spine has been weakened by the disease and he has been forced to wear a corset to protect his spine.

He says that unlike Janet, his cancer was caught in the middle stages and he has just completed his first round of chemotherapy and is expected to continue going for the procedure for at least another six months.He will then need to an autologous stem cell transplant and then more chemotherapy.

“ My treatment is going well so far, although it’s going to be a long journey to recovery. I am on oral treatment and receive a weekly injection. I’ve developed a new respect for medicine and my body. The chemo has and will continue to throw surprises at it. My body is dealing with so much right now and I have to spur it on and listen to it more in order to help it fight and recover.

Looking ahead, the autologous stem cell transplant can only be done outside the country. That’s why we are running this campaign to raise money to cover the cost of the medication and surgery. Unfortunately, with the high cost of cancer treatment, I have to cover a part of the costs myself. My insurance doesn’t cover the full cost of treatment.

Since the diagnosis, I’ve been overwhelmed by the support that I have received from family and friends. I’ve had messages of encouragement and prayers from all quarters! These have left me speechless many, many times.

I like to describe myself as a storyteller. I believe that through my journalistic work, I am a custodian of peoples’ stories. I love stories of people. I think they have power. They plant something good within us. Little did I know that, I too, would one day be the subject of a story. My story.

I’m on a new journey, a new race and a new normal.
I’m still smiling and learning to tread a journey that requires not only the pace of runner, but a similar determination.
As part of my new normal, I am requesting your support to help me walk this journey and win this race.

Walk with me.” He wrote.

To support him go to https://www.gofundme.com/teamkevo