Former Sultana actress Dida seeks help with Cancer treatment funds

 Former Sultana actress Dida. (Courtesy)

Former Sultana actress Dida issued a heartfelt plea on Instagram, urgently seeking financial support to facilitate crucial overseas medical treatment in her ongoing fight against breast cancer.

The actress, born Winfred Bwire Ndubi, opened her message with a seasonal greeting, swiftly transitioning into a candid reflection on life's unpredictable turns. "Isn’t it peculiar how life unfolds? One moment basking in its beauty, the next grappling with unforeseen demons," she remarked.

Addressing the reality of her health crisis, Bwire underscored the importance of shared support, stating, "The beauty lies in not facing these challenges alone. It takes a village to navigate anything life throws our way."

In a direct appeal to her followers, she implored, "I reached out to the only village I know. Please consider standing with me on this path to recovery by contributing whatever you can."

Bwire disclosed her target of Sh7million, emphasizing the significance of every contribution, large or small. "Your support, irrespective of its size, holds immense value," she noted.

The Kenyan community responded promptly, offering both financial contributions and words of encouragement. Bwire expressed her gratitude, concluding her appeal with a sincere "God Bless you" for those who lent their support during this critical phase of her battle against breast cancer.

Despite her current fame, life hasn't always been smooth for the star, who once faced a serious health challenge – a diagnosis of cancer.

Bwire’s journey began with swelling and discomfort under her armpits, initially dismissed as a general infection. However, persistent pain led her to seek further medical advice. 

After consulting a gynaecologist and undergoing a biopsy, she was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a rare type of breast cancer involving abnormal cells in a milk duct.

Determined to combat the illness, Bwire adjusted her lifestyle while awaiting treatment decisions. Supported by her family, she endured eight rounds of chemotherapy, facing the associated hardships, from memory loss to hair loss and overall well-being.

Access to medication posed a significant challenge, particularly with the expense of targeted therapy. Bwire also found adapting her diet and lifestyle demanding due to the financial strain.

Despite these hurdles, she maintained her productivity, emphasizing the importance of staying active during treatment. Bwire even established the Bwire Ndubi Warriors Foundation to assist those unable to afford cancer treatment costs and to raise awareness about the disease.

Reflecting on her experience, Bwire explained the motivation behind her foundation: "I felt it in my heart to stand in the gap for these people and help those who cannot afford the cost of treatment." The foundation collaborates with the Bamburi Cement Cancer Centre at Coast General to identify and support needy patients.

To further raise awareness, Bwire is taking a unique approach – planning a film titled "Scare the Scar." The film aims to tackle cancer differently by showcasing the realities of living with the disease, including lifestyle and dietary aspects.

In her ongoing efforts to educate and encourage early detection, Bwire emphasized, "The main goal is to make people aware of the existence of breast cancer and encourage them to go for screening so that we can detect it as early as possible."