shikuri stories
Shikuri Stories is a collection of powerful, real-life experiences that highlight the impact of the Shikuri Project in transforming lives. Through heartfelt testimonies from children, families, and supporters, these stories showcase hope, resilience, and the difference that compassionate care and community support can make. Each story reflects Shikuri’s mission to restore dignity, provide medical assistance, and create brighter futures for vulnerable children and families.
Saving Children, Changing Futures — The Shikuri Project
The Shikuri Project: Saving Children, Changing Futures
Child Profiles: Their Stories, Our Mission
In Western Kenya, where up to 70% of children under five with sickle cell disease are expected to succumb to complications, The Shikuri Project is demonstrating—child by child—that this tragedy can be averted. Partnering with Homa Bay/Ndhiwa Sub-County Hospital, we aim to achieve a 40% reduction in under-five mortality.
The transformation in our 26 enrolled children is remarkable:
- 58% reduction in painful crises
- 61% reduction in dangerous fevers
- 61% reduction in hospitalizations
- 50% reduction in blood transfusions
- 84.6% reduction in severe anemia
- 0 deaths
By using WHO-recommended medications, comprehensive diagnostics, early fever detection, personalized monitoring, and community follow-up, these children—once in constant pain—are now pain-free, back in school, and able to play again.
Their parents no longer need to sell livestock or land to pay hospital bills or abandon their farms to care for a sick child. Most importantly, families can finally dispel the shadow of early graves that once loomed over every crisis.
Here are some of the children’s stories.
Eric Omondi (22 months old)
Baby Eric Omondi is the last surviving child of five.
Eric’s four siblings died from sickle cell disease. He now battles the same condition.
His father, overwhelmed by the loss of four children, abandoned the family, leaving his mother overwhelmed.
Your support can literally be the difference between life and loss.
With your contribution, Eric will receive:
- Continuous sickle cell medication to prevent deadly complications
- Regular hospital monitoring to catch crises before they turn fatal
- Nutritional support to strengthen his tiny body
- Stability and care his grieving mother cannot provide alone
Gloria Merceline – 4 years old
Four-year-old Gloria Merceline has been fighting pain since infancy. At just two months old, she began experiencing severe swellings and unexplained crises that her family struggled to manage without answers.
She was finally diagnosed with sickle cell disease at age two through the Shikuri Testing Initiative — a turning point that explained her suffering but began a challenging journey.
By age three, Gloria needed her first life-saving blood transfusion. Her most recent was in September 2025, supported by the Shikuri Project.
Despite frequent hospital visits and painful crises, Gloria still smiles and plays like any child. But her health remains fragile.
Your support can keep Gloria alive, stable, and thriving. With your help, she can receive:
- Lifesaving medication
- Regular medical check-ups and crisis care
- Safe access to transfusions when needed
Every gift makes a tangible difference in keeping Gloria healthy and protected.
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Ashley Naomi
Ashley Naomi is a joyful, energetic child living under the constant shadow of sickle cell disease.
Diagnosed at age three through the Shikuri Testing Initiative, her life can shift from playtime to emergency within hours.
She has already undergone two life-saving blood transfusions when her hemoglobin dropped dangerously low or painful crises overwhelmed her body.
Her mother, a subsistence farmer, struggles to provide consistent care without a stable income.
With support from the Shikuri Project, Ashley has been able to receive critical medication and care.
Your generosity ensures she continues to receive:
- Lifesaving medication
- Regular follow-up and crisis care
- Emergency transfusions when needed
Ashley’s future depends on continued care — and people like you
Bridgit Navy – 4 years old
Bridgit Navy has been fighting pain since she was five months old.
Before diagnosis, her condition was misunderstood, with some attributing it to superstition.
At age three, she was diagnosed through the Shikuri Testing Initiative.
Before receiving support, her life was marked by:
- Frequent hospitalizations
- Missed school days
- Constant emergencies
Today, thanks to consistent medication and monitoring:
- Her hospital visits have decreased
- Her school attendance is improving
- Her smile is returning
But she still needs ongoing care.
Your support will provide:
- Lifesaving medication
- Regular medical reviews
- Emergency care
Austin and Maxwell Akinyi (Twins, 5 years old)
Austin and Maxwell are twins battling severe sickle cell disease.
Austin survived a stroke in June 2025, leaving him with lasting physical disability.
Maxwell continues to suffer painful crises.
Their mother is a widowed caregiver struggling with:
- Medical costs
- Transport
- Daily care
- Lack of stable housing
Your support can:
- Provide life-saving medication
- Support rehabilitation for Austin
- Ensure safe housing and nutrition
Wayne Lloyd & Denver Jase
Wayne Lloyd (4 years old) and his baby brother Denver Jase both live with sickle cell disease.
Wayne has undergone three emergency blood transfusions.
Denver showed symptoms as early as six months old.
Their mother, a small-scale trader, struggles financially while caring for both children.
Your support can help ensure:
- Ongoing treatment
- Stability and care
- A chance at a better future
your support matters
Your support makes a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families served by the Shikuri Project. Every donation, volunteer effort, and shared message helps provide access to medical care, education, and essential resources for those who need it most. Together, we can bring hope, healing, and lasting impact to our community.