By Juli McGowan Boit | Published: May 28, 2014
“When pain is to be born, a little courage helps more than much knowledge,
a little human sympathy more than much courage,
and the least tincture of the love of God more than all.”
–C.S. Lewis
Six hundred miles. That is the distance that Kelvin, an 18 year old dying of cancer, traveled to reach Kimbilio Hospice. He and his uncle did not leave their hometown with the intention of coming all that way. They were simply looking for help. Sadly, it took 600 miles on a long and hard road trip to get it.
Only a few months prior to our encounter with Kelvin, he was a healthy high school student. A small sore appeared on his cheek, and he thought it was nothing to worry about until it began to grow with dramatic speed and size. A biopsy was eventually taken and a diagnosis of neuroblastoma was given. Kelvin was referred to the capital city of Nairobi to get treatment.
In an overcrowded, 15 seat public transportation vehicle that we commonly refer to as a matatu, Kelvin and his uncle boarded in hopes of finding relief. The tumor that had grossly disfigured Kelvin’s face was the cause of many stares but also of excruciating pain. Upon reaching the country’s largest hospital, Kelvin’s uncle explained that they waited for three days to be served.
No treatment was extended. No pain medication received. Kelvin never entered a hospital bed.
At the end of the third day, the uncle was told to take Kelvin back home. Kelvin’s cancer was too far advanced for treatment. Unsure of what to do next, someone at the hospital told Kelvin and his uncle about Living Room. They explained that Kelvin would be cared for, that his pain would be relieved. Preparations were made for Kelvin to come to Kimbilio Hospice. Once more, he and his uncle traveled by public transportation—a trip that took them 10 hours to reach Kimbilio Hospice.
Immediately upon arriving, Kelvin was started on morphine for his pain. His fears were listened to. He was given a bed. At last, he had found a respite for his weary body and soul. Kelvin spent his final days with us at Living Room.
While I am grateful that Kelvin died surrounded by love and free from pain, I am deeply troubled by the extent of suffering he endured while searching for reprieve. It makes me wonder how many others are like Kelvin, in desperate need of a refuge. How many miles will they have to travel? How many times will they be told: “there is nothing left to be done?”
For mercy’s sake, I pray that we will never be satisfied while others are still suffering. May we ever be growing in love, and may that love always lead us into action.
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