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By:
HARRISON MAINA | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted:
Oct,05-2016 18:48:56
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BOSTON---Close to 300 Kenyans from all walks of life congregated at the PCEA Neema church Sunday where they raised $72,391 towards the family of Susan Mbagara, a young mother who recently relocated to Seattle, only to be diagnosed with Choriocarcinoma (a form of cancer of the uterine that originates from the cells the placenta)two weeks later. The amount realized Sunday included some $10,690 raised by the organizing committee via an online Go-fundme account, putting the effort about $3,000 shy of the target amount of $75,000 planned in aid of the young family that is also grappling with the challenges of taking care of an 11 year old Autistic son. Speaking to Ajabu African News at the conclusion of the event, several organizers said they remained confident that the deficit of $3,000 will be raised by Thanksgiving Day when the fundraising effort of slated to end. "This was an amazing effort by all Kenyans and friends who came here today and those who donated online. The funds will go a long way toward helping this family that is undergoing a tremendous financial crisis even before they were able to settle down in Seattle," said Joseph Kariuki of Springfield, an organizing committee member and a cousin to Mbagara. "I am pretty sure the balance will be raised by the Thanksgiving. There were many people who did not make it here today and there are others who still may want to donate online," he added.
During the event, the ailing mother of one and her husband, Robert Omondi addressed guests via Skype from Seattle, thanking them for the tremendous show of love and support that is helping them cope with the challenge. "When I was first diagnosed, I felt very lonely, like I was in the middle of an ocean. But the Kenyan community in Boston and Seattle gave us a lot of psychological support. That has helped me and my family a lot. Thank you very much and may God bless everyone," Suzie told the large crowd as the appeared on the television screens wearing glasses and no hair due to the effects of chemotherapy. On his part, Omondi thanked the pastor of the Neema church, Rev. Dr. Karimi Mumbui and the church committee for allowing them to hold the fundraiser at the church, which made the logistics much easier. He also thanked Kenyans who showed up and those who donated online for their generous efforts and support during a difficult season of his family's life. "This has been a life changing moment for us. It happened for a reason, and soon we will find out why. Maybe God wants us to give back more to the community somehow," he reflected through Skype. Reminding Kenyans to consult their primary care doctors for regular annual physical checkups, Dr. Mercy Kamau, a Kenyan Nurse Practitioner in Boston said that such a habit would go a long way to as a way to forestall the onset of diseases, or manage them effectively if already occurring. The amazing feat was accomplished by Kenyans within less than half an hour at around 7pm, after long speeches and presentations almost derailed the effort that kicked off at 5pm, with many Kenyans anxious to leave for night shifts and family commitments on a Sunday evening.
However, quick action by Chris Kibathi, the emcee saved the day after he summoned up a dozen guests of honor in rapid succession for their contributions as the crowd thinned out rapidly. About 13 Kenyan pastors from various churches attended, with Rev. Samuel Kimohu of St. Stephens's church leading in brief prayers for the family. "I would like to thank all of you who answered the call to come here and donate for this family. It is very good to see people turning out to help a member of the community in need," said Dr. Karimi during a vote of thanks. Many Kenyans present hailed the event for helping bring together under one roof many old friends who created the foundation of the Kenyan community in Boston in the early 2,000's to which Susan was part of, but have not socialized with each other in many years due to increased family,school and work committments. "It's so great for all these many Kenyans who knew Susan and Omosh back in the 2,000s come here to help in this time of need. We wish Sue a quick recovery.One only wished we had an opportunity to meet like this more often, not just when there is an unfortunate event," said Charles "Doc" Mwangi, a renowned Kenyan transport business entrepreneur based in Malden. Popular Kenyan gospel artiste,Caroline Wanjiru of the popular Kikuyu hit song,Muduiriri,graced the event with a performance that uplifted the spirits of guests present.
Organizers urged those Kenyans and well wishers who may still want to donate to help reach the target amount of $75, 000 planned for to contact the organizing committee, make bank deposits or visit the online account set up for the fundraiser. "This family just moved to a new state and they did not have time to set up their new insurance before this happened. Let's help them out by donating whatever small amount you can afford," pleaded Chris Kibathi, the emcee. Organizers also thanked Ajabu Media for highlighting the plight of the family in a big way that helped mobilize well wishers from far and wide for the event , as well as adding to donations online. "The article by Ajabu on the Friday before the event really helped us alot.So many people called us after reading and promised to attend. We highly appreciated", said Mary Kariba from Springfield. Well wishers willing to chip in towards the noble goal are requested to post their contributions via the following means: Bank Deposits: Bank of America Name: Mary M. Kagunye Checking Account #: 0046-6141-3252 Routing #: 011000138 GoFundme: https://www.gofundme.com/sue-smedicalfund For more info, contact: Mary Kariba: 508-930-8812 Carol Gatua: 781-308-2374 Kennedy Manyagi: 508-410-8975 Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/events/646353912196002/ View More Ajabu Pics Below
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Source:
AJABU AFRICAN NEWS
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