“My Daughter Got Her Life Back”: Successful Surgical Camp Restores Hope to Burn Survivors in Trans Nzoia

 Tears of joy replaced years of pain and uncertainty for Susan Muhadi after her four-year-old daughter, Grishella Kasoha, underwent a life-changing reconstructive surgery during a five-day surgical camp at Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kitale.

The young girl, who had suffered severe second-degree burn contractures on both lower limbs following a fish-related accident, is now on the path to recovery after a successful corrective procedure performed by a team of leading plastic and reconstructive surgeons.

“My daughter got her life back,” an emotional Muhadi said days after the operation. “For years, we lived in fear and agony. We moved from one hospital to another, but her condition kept worsening. Today, I can finally see hope again.”

Muhadi travelled from Cheptole in Vihiga County seeking help after two previous operations failed to improve her daughter's condition. She said the family had endured emotional trauma, social stigma, and financial hardship as they searched for treatment.

“I had almost given up on the possibility of my daughter recovering until a friend advised me to visit Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital. That is where I met Professor Ferdinand Nang’ole, and the journey to healing began,” she said.

The operation was conducted by a multidisciplinary team of specialists from Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, the University of Nairobi, and the Kenya Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons.

According to Professor Ferdinand Nang’ole, President of the Kenya Society of Plastic Surgeons and Chief Editor of the Pan-African Journal of Plastic Surgery, Grishella's case was among the most challenging handled during the camp.

“It was one of the most difficult cases we encountered. However, through teamwork and expertise, we were able to perform a successful contracture release procedure that has significantly improved her mobility and quality of life,” said Prof. Nang’ole.

The surgical camp also transformed the lives of dozens of other patients suffering from severe burns, scars, and deformities.

Among them was eight-year-old Lucy Pendo from Bondeni, who sustained serious burn injuries in November 2025. Her mother, Lydia Nasimiyu, expressed gratitude to the surgeons for giving her daughter a chance at a normal life.

“These doctors have done what we thought was impossible. We are deeply grateful,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Regina Atieno, said her daughter Blessing Goodluck regained mobility after undergoing surgery to release scar tissue that had restricted movement.

Medical experts noted that reconstructive procedures such as skin grafts and contracture releases not only relieve pain but also restore mobility, confidence, and independence among patients living with severe burn injuries.

The hospital's Board of Management praised both visiting and resident medical teams for the remarkable achievement.

Board Vice Chairman Ronald Griffin Wasilwa described the surgeries as a major milestone for healthcare in Trans Nzoia County.

“The doctors performed procedures that many thought were impossible. This marks a new chapter for the hospital and demonstrates the level of specialized care now available within the county,” he said.

Professor Nang’ole also commended the county government for investing in healthcare infrastructure and staffing, saying the recruitment of additional medical personnel had strengthened service delivery at the referral hospital and other health facilities across the county.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who joined the medical team during the camp, thanked the partners for their support and commitment to improving healthcare services.

“We commend all our healthcare professionals for their excellent work and urge them to sustain this momentum as we continue serving our people,” the governor said.

The highly successful surgical camp screened more than 200 patients and performed 120 reconstructive surgeries on 68 patients, offering renewed hope and transforming lives across the region.

For families like that of little Grishella, the impact goes beyond medicine.

“It is not just surgery,” said Muhadi. “It is the return of happiness, dignity, and a future we thought we had lost.”