Originally working with Empowering Lives International (ELI), she was part of Tumaini na Afya (Swahili for hope & health), focused on mobilizing people in rural villages for HIV testing and treatment, training on HIV prevention, home-based care for people living with HIV/AIDS, and orphans. In response to the need for a treatment center and home for two HIV+ orphans, her friend and fellow missionary was moved to establish Living Room and Kimbilio Hospice. Our friend joined her in this new endeavor. Today, Kimbilio Hospice is a 24 bed, inpatient hospice that provides quality palliative care services to adults and children living with life-threatening illnesses. These services are provided free of charge to those who need care.
To honor World Hospice Day on October 13, 2013, Living Room is hosting the first ever Kimbilio Hospice Marathon to raise money to help reduce suffering and bring hope to adults and children in Kimbilio Hospice. On this day, many of the fastest runners in the world will gather in the rural village of Kipkaren to run a marathon, beginning and ending at Kimbilio Hospice.
"As we have prayed, dreamed and planned Kenya's marathon, we have imagined friends from around the world, joining us in this meaningful occasion. In Swahili, the word harambee means 'let's come together.' We want to do just that."
Although we can't quite make it to Kenya for the marathon, Rob and I jumped on the opportunity to be part of this event and help with the fundraising. We are participating in the Silverton 1000 race over Labor Day weekend and are dedicating our miles in support of Kimbilio. Rob and Matt (our 14-year-old son) are doing the 48-hour race and I'll be doing the 24-hour. This race takes place in Silverton, CO at an elevation of 9318 feet. The course is a 1-mile trail loop with a total of 500 feet in elevation change per loop (250 up and back down). The goal is to rack up as many miles as you can during the time you are running.
Rob is hoping to get in close to 200 miles, Matt is hoping to make it to 100, and my goals are a much more modest 26!
Please consider making a donation to Kimbilio through my fundraising page or by using the link on the right of this page.
Any amount you can donate is appreciated. Every dollar helps. For example:
- $20 provides a day of complete care for a patient at Kimbilio Hospice
- $40 monthly provides a uniform, room, board and medical care for an orphan to attend school
- $140 provides a cancer patient with food, medical treatment, and 24-hour palliative care for a full week
- $200 covers funeral costs and bereavement services
- $500 provides a full month of care for a malnourished orphan.
Kongoi (thank you) in advance!
