Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) Oncology Department on Friday organized a special event aimed at supporting cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
KNH ground became a place of hope and joy as cancer patients, full of high expectations, gathered for a special event organized by the Oncology department, Wigs and Wings among other partners.
The group, dressed in their signature pink, brought an array of packages and gift hampers, offering beauty therapy alongside wigs for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Patients had the opportunity to select wigs that suited them best, with a variety of styles to choose from. Adding to the excitement, professional makeup artists were on hand, applying makeup for those who wanted a fresh look.
The men were not left behind either, barbers were busy giving haircuts, donations of caps and grooming products, ensuring everyone felt included and pampered.
The atmosphere was lively, with patients lining up for their turn to receive makeup, pedicures, and manicures, while men received haircuts.
As the event went on, music was played, lifting the spirits of everyone present.
The highlight of the day came when Wigs and Wings invited patients onto the dance floor, where laughter and dancing took place.
One patient shared his experience, stating it was his first time having a female barber cut his hair. He expressed his gratitude, touched by the hospital’s effort to care for them and make them feel valued.
Doctor Wilson Msobei said the event was focused on providing emotional and psychological relief to patients dealing with the physical side effects of cancer treatment, including hair loss and changes in physical appearance.
He went ahead to add that more than 80 female and 20 male cancer patients attended the event, where they received free wigs, makeup services, and breast prosthetics.
The event was mainly targeted at female patients undergoing chemotherapy, who often experience hair loss, nail discolouration, and changes in physical appearance due to mastectomy surgeries.
"We do these events about four times a year to provide some form of psychological and emotional relief. It’s not just about boosting their appearance but also giving them the mental strength to continue coping with their treatments," said Mosbei.
Mosbei said KNH also offers support services such as bi-monthly support groups led by medical social workers.
Helen Matera, a nurse at the centre, explained how they strive to make patients feel welcome and supported as soon as they arrive.
“We’ve partnered with Wigs and Wings for a few years now, and they come once a year to bring smiles to our patients. Hair is an important part of one’s identity, especially for women. This initiative not only enhances their appearance but boosts their morale,” Matera explained.
Matera emphasized that KNH ensures that patients can access the treatment they need.
“The SHIF insurance covers nearly all treatment costs, and for those who cannot afford it, we have social workers who assist with waivers and other support,” she said.
Eugene Mwangi a medical social worker and navigator at the KNH Cancer, said that she and her team work closely with patients, guiding them through the disease, helping them understand treatment side effects, and offering support for the challenges they face.
"The goal is to give patients hope and a chance to relax, even for a short while, by distracting them from the disease and letting them feel cared for," Mwangi explained.
Agnes, a cancer patient said she was diagnosed with breast cancer in April this year and since then, she started treatment at the KNH and now she is on her fourth chemotherapy.
"You see the way am healthy right now am feeling and doing better the effects are not as intense as they were when I was starting," she said.
She said as she was starting her chemotherapy she was experiencing mild nausea and lack of appetite which have now decreased as she continues her medication at the hospital. she also said that they have various support groups that happen though they happen monthly.
"I was introduced to the support groups by people like me," she said.
The event was said to be a broader effort to not only treat cancer but also provide emotional and psychological support to patients, where they received free wigs, makeup services, and breast prosthetics.
The initiative was made possible through donations from various organizations, including Wigs and Wings, a group of hairstylists and specialists, the Africa Cancer Foundation, and companies providing makeup and breast prosthesis products.
The event targeted patients undergoing chemotherapy, who often experience hair loss, nail discolouration, and changes in physical appearance due to mastectomy surgeries.