Dead while fighting a disease that affects almost 200 milion people at the global level. When society in general and healthcare providers around the world are ignoring you, you take matters into your own hands. For some, this battle ends early.
As of yesterday another endometriosis warrior is advocating for endometriosis changes in heaven. A well-known Kenyan endometriosis patient and a radio host, Jahmby Koikai has died after a long battle with endometriosis. Although the cause of her death is not known, one can only wonder if the damages done by endometriosis have contributed to her short lived life.
A heavily underdiagnosed and mistreated condition, it took Fayah Mama 17 years until she received her diagnosis. And that was only the starter of her journey.
She had 21 surgeries for a disease that is considered harmless
Millions of people around the world are suffering, struggling to get timely diagnosis and treatment that so much is needed. Ignored by doctors, being told that painful periods are part of being a woman, being sent home from hospitals as nothing can be seen on scans, endometriosis sufferers are left with little to no choices. Endometriosis might not kill you directly, but it can make one’s life a living hell.
Amongst these millions there are some really brave sufferers that voice their experiences hoping for a change. Using social media as a platform, they provide help and guidance for fellow sufferers and to reduce the impact of this neglected disease.
Fayah Mama battled thoracic endometriosis and she spent a year in the USA after the condition took a toll on her. She had prior to that dozens of incomplete surgeries that left her battered and with more damage than before.
In a recent social media post, she was urging Kenyan politicians to address the issue of endometriosis and to learn from esteemed endometriosis specialists and personalities from the USA on how to manage endometriosis. From a hospital bed, Fayah never stopped to advocate for her fellow endometriosis warriors. With incredible strength and resilience, she was a beacon of light in our global communities. Her relentless advocacy for high-quality treatment and awareness has left an indelible mark on our hearts.
Despite her wounds, Fayah fought for changes until her last breath. Her work and fight will without any doubt be continued by other brave endometriosis warriors. For the generations to come, changes in how endometriosis is diagnosed and treated are imperative.
Photo source: Jahmby Koikai Facebook.