Good news from the Cromwell Hospital in London was in regard to little Mesaidi Omari’s successful first phase surgery. Mesaidi was flown into London on the 25th of February for a six month stint in London where she will undergo a series of surgical procedures to correct a rare tumour – Encephalocele – a condition where bones of the nose do not grow during pregnancy. This causes the brain to grow in extra proportions to fill up the space where the nose should have been.

Mesaidi has been booked at the sprawling Cromwell hospital in Knightsbridge right in the centre of London while she resides in Fulham.

According to Carolina Nyakila – Miss Kenya UK 2006 – who has been like the special assistant to the family playing a pivotal role since their arrival at Heathrow, “The surgery was successful; the doctors are happy with the outcome and are now looking forward to the second phase which is expected to take place in 4 weeks time.” The second phase is said to be the more critical one as it will involve operating on the brain to correct the extra growth.

In the first surgical procedure, 4 little balloons were inserted; 2 in the forehead, 1 on the nose and 1 underneath the eye. This is expected to heal before the second operation can effectively take place. Carolina who has been visiting the Mesaidi and her mother 2-3 times a week since their arrival has also been doubling up as the translator during the doctor’s visit as neither Mesaidi nor her mother can speak English. Apart of the program the mother and little Mesaidi have also been undergoing some basic lessons in English to help them cope with the cultural eclipse. Mesaidi has been booked in the


Mesaidi was reportedly well after the surgery albeit a little “uncomfortable and confused” due to the anaesthesia used during the surgery. Carolina added that “She is also suffering from a lack of appetite and can only eat bits and pieces from time to time. She is also on a high dosage of antibiotics and painkillers.” Mesaidi spent three days at the Cromwell Royal Hospital before being discharged on Thursday 29th March.

SACOMA group helping with the London organisation continue to appeal to Kenyans to come up and help make Mesaidi and her mother feel at home during the six months they will be here in London. As it emerges. The family is not very well off. Mesaidi’s father died four years ago and she has three other siblings who were left in Kenya under the care of their aging grandmother. (Asha 15, Riziki 14 and Ali 6).

Last weekend Mesaidi spent some quality time with her surgeon’s family playing with their daughter who is about the same age. Reports also indicate that Mesaidi’s mother has a cyst but cannot be treated as the sponsors only cater for children under 16.

Their friend Carolina reports that Mama Mesaidi confided in her that they are really enjoying themselves in London and all the people around them are both supportive and friendly. “I would love to live here”, quipped Mama Mesaidi. Mesaidi For more on the Mesaidi family just watch this space, or better still contact Miss Kenya –Carolina Nyakila or any member of staff at SACOMA.

Story By: Topi Lyambila