Athletes gear up for race to help cancer patients

By Titus Too

Eldoret, Kenya: Athletes are preparing to help raise funds for cancer patients during this year’s World Hospice Day.

The stage is set for a full marathon for both men and women on Sunday at Kimbilio Hospice in Uasin Gishu County to help Kenyans with cancer and other life-threatening ailments.

The Standard Group is supporting the Kimbilio Hospice Marathon as a media sponsor. The marathon will create an opportunity for free cancer screening by Kimbilio Hospice and provide a forum to create awareness for early diagnosis and treatment.

Kimbilio Hospice in Kipkaren, Turbo constituency, is a 24-bed, in- and out-patient facility that offers palliative care for patients with chronic illnesses.

“The hospice offers palliative care to improve the quality of life for patients with chronic illness. The hospice, through its outreach services, cares for 400 patients,” said Rachel Ototo the hospice’s clinical director.

Bishop David Tarus, who chairs the hospice board, said they were targeting Sh6 million to expand the outpatient outreach programme.

“The local community has already raised Sh1 million. The remaining will be realised through the Kimbilio Hospice Marathon to be run in Kenya and the United States,” Tarus said.

Kimbilio is a Kiswahili word that means refuge. Tarus said the funds will be used to enhance the quality of care for patients who cannot afford services offered at high cost health facilities.

Joel Sawe, the managing director at the facility, said a multi-disciplinary team works with the local community for follow-up and home-based care, including helping orphaned children.

Registration fees for the race is Sh500 and winners will get Sh350,000.