On Saturday, 16th March, 2019, thousands of children gathered at the Uhuru Gardens in support of children suffering from heart diseases and from needy backgrounds through the Heart to Heart Foundation.
The Heart-to-Heart Foundation, a medical charity was established in 1993 by Drs. Betty and Dan Gikonyo, Physician/Cardiologist and Paediatrician/Cardiologist respectively. This was out of the need to provide a solution through prevention and management of heart diseases in children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
This year’s run was flagged off by Hon. Raphael Tuju EGH, who hailed the foundation for stepping up and assisting children get much need surgery. Hon. Tuju has been a good friend and supporter of the foundation for the past 26 years. He hailed the government for the National Hospital Insurance fund which partially funds for the heart surgeries in addition to procedures.” It is also incredible that children through the Heart to Heart Foundation are raising funds for sick children,” he said.
For the past 26 years that the Heart to Heart Foundation has been in existence, over 400 children from underprivileged backgrounds have benefitted from this program and some are now adults with families and pursing their careers and become prosperous members of this society. It is not only their lives that have changed but also the lives of their families who no longer have the burden of disease in their home. There is no greater joy than that of seeing the foundation come full circle.
“All this has been made possible by the sponsors, who heed the call every year to participate in the Annual Heart Run and our other fundraising activities namely, The Annual Gala Dinner and the Goat Derby, said Dr. Daniel Gikonyo. They include Equity Bank, KCB Bank, Tuskys, Coca-Cola, Pacific, ICEA Lion Group, Kids Festival-Churchill, Citizen TV, KIREC Pharmaceuticals and over 600 schools who sent their pupils and students to participate in this noble cause. “The government through the National Hospital and Insurance Fund (NHIF) has also supported these surgeries easing the burden and therefore enabling the foundation to help more children,” he added.
Last year alone, 12 children received surgery; this year we hope to raise Kshs. 20M which will enable 20 children receive lifesaving surgeries.
The foundation has also trained over 10,000 TOTs (Trainers of Trainers) in Rheumatic Fever Prevention Program (RFPP) in partnership with healthcare centres where we provided basic diagnostic tools for rheumatic fever diagnosis and stationery to enable the healthcare givers maintain accurate records.
We appreciate the support of Kenyans at large for their continued trust and seeking services at The Karen Hospital over the years.
To all the supporters for the Heart Run especially our teachers who have been our greatest partners we say ASANTE SANA.
For more information please call Grace Eshiwani on 0706442558 or email pa.ceo@karenhospital.org.
