Kenyan actress Winnie Bwire, popularly known as Dida, has reached out to the public for financial assistance as she continues her fight against metastatic breast cancér.
Bwire, who has been battling the illness for three years, revealed that she urgently needs to raise Ksh5 million to cover the cost of her treatment abroad, including travel, food, and accommodation.
In a video shared by news anchor Lulu Hassan, Bwire opened up about her deep frustration with the skyrocketing costs of healthcare.
She expressed how the financial burden has been a significant setback in her life.
“I’m so frustrated at how expensive health care is. Every time I have made 10 steps forward, I feel like I’m being dragged back and I ask for strength. Thank you for praying with me,” she expressed.
Bwire emphasized that she isn’t ready to give up despite the challenges thrown at her. She acknowledged the emotional toll the situation has taken on her calling for the online community to help.
“I have not made any posters. I just wanted to do an appeal. This journey has been a turbulent one. I’m so over it. I don’t mean that I’m giving up. I’m just done carrying this alone. I need your help, guys,” she says.
Lets Do This For @bwirendubi
Healing is your portion ma ♥️ #NoAmountIsTooSmall pic.twitter.c*m/XtRJzN50hD— Lulu Hassan (@LuluHassan) August 15, 2024
She provided a Paybill number for donations, emphasizing that no contribution is too small and that any amount will go a long way in helping her receive the treatment she needs.
“I forgot to tell you how much I need to raise this time around. It’s roughly Ksh5 million. That should cover treatment, travels to and fro, food, and accommodation for the period we will be there,” Bwire added.
This is not the first time the actress has turned to the public for support. In December 2023, she called for donations to raise Ksh7 million for treatment abroad.
Bwire shares about her condition
In a past interview, Bwire shared her journey with breast c****r, revealing how she initially dismissed early symptoms. She said she first noticed her hand swelling and fatigue, but she didn’t connect these signs with the illness. She assumed the exhaustion was due to work stress.
“I started noticing my hand was swelling I told Dan about it, you’re always told the signs and symptoms of breast cancér are matiti kutoa pus or kupata pimple, but those are the last symptoms. I used to get fatigued, and I would wake up telling Dan that I’m exhausted, but I just thought it was because of work,” she recounted.
However, when she experienced persistent underarm pain and unusual sensations during her periods, Winnie decided to consult a doctor. Initial scans were inconclusive, but as the pain continued, further tests, including a CT scan and a biopsy, confirmed her diagnosis.
Winnie and her ex-fiancé, Dan Sonko, faced the overwhelming financial burden of the treatment. Despite her initial denial, they began chemotherapy. Her family eventually learned about her condition and supported her, even fundraising to help cover costs.
Throughout her battle, Bwire shared that she used work as an actress as an escape route.