Prominent kidney Warrior, Iya Bekondo passes on
The founder of the Iya Foundation, Iya Bekondo Granatella passed unto glory in the US on July 11, 2024.
She reportedly underwent a kidney transplant on July 4, 2024 and was discharged but died later. The circumstances surrounding her death after the transplant were not yet revealed.
Iya has lived with kidney issues since she was young. In 2008, her mother donated her kidney to save Iya’s life. She lived with the Mother’s kidney for 16 years before dying.
In 2021, Iya started dialysis again for the first time after her first transplant.
Iya Bekondo, has created a huge impact in the society with her Iya Foundation which supports kidney patients especially those undergoing treatment.
Iya started pleading with her community and those who came across her videos for kidney donation. It took three years since 2021for her to finally find one. But she will not live to experience a new life after the transplant.
In April 2024, Iya announced that she was going for a transplant but it didnt go through. She remained hopeful until she was called again in July.
Iya has been an inspiration to many and has raised awareness on kidney issues and importance of remaining “green”.
Watch Iya update in her situation https://www.facebook.com/share/p/AuqUXQD3zN6dT9CF/?mibextid=oFDknk
CNA has been a partner of her wonderful works. We visited the Buea Regional hospital with Iya to cover an event she organized to raise awareness.
“Iya’s determination encouraged me to call her one time and ask what I can do to support her movement and she sent a number and said transfer money to this patient. I did and when they received the money, the man called me and started crying. Tears filled my eyes. Iya was more than a fighter,” CNA’s Executive Editor, Nfor Hanson Nchanji said.
