Millimeters from the Heart: South Sudanese Man’s Miraculous Survival at Tophill Hospital

Ambushed in the Dark

For Stephan, a member of the Toposa community in South Sudan, a simple motorbike ride home turned into a fight for his life. Ambushed by three armed men and accused of "shining light" on them with his headlamp, Stephan was shot three times at close range with an AK-47.

"I fell down, everything went dark," Stephan recalled. "I cried out to God for another chance because I have a wife and two children who need me."

Despite the catastrophic injuries, Stephan’s will to live was unshakable. He managed to walk 100 meters to call for help before collapsing.

A Race Against Time Across Borders

Stephan’s journey to recovery was a desperate race across hundreds of kilometers. His condition was too critical for local clinics, leading to a series of urgent referrals:

• Toboso to Lokichoggio

• Lokichoggio to Lodwar

• Lodwar to Tophill Hospital, Eldoret

By the time he reached Tophill Hospital, Stephan had been bleeding internally for over 12 hours. His lungs had collapsed, he was in shock, and every breath was a struggle.

The "Miracle" Surgery

Dr. Florentius Koech, lead surgeon and CEO of Tophill Hospital, described the case as one of the most intense trauma recoveries he has witnessed.

The medical assessment revealed:

• Two gunshot wounds to the right chest and one to the left.

• One bullet was lodged millimeters from the heart.

• Another bullet passed dangerously close to the liver.

• Massive internal bleeding and non-functioning lungs.

The Tophill team immediately stabilized his breathing and performed emergency surgery to drain the chest, clean the lungs, and stop the hemorrhaging. After a critical nine-day stint in the ICU, the "miracle patient" began to stabilize.

"He came in with injuries that would kill most patients. It is truly by the grace of God and timely intervention that he survived." — Dr. Florentius Koech.

A Testament to Resilience

Stephan’s recovery has been as fast as his injury was severe. Within days of leaving the ICU, he was walking and eating independently. He credits his survival to his faith and the unwavering support of the Tophill staff.

"The doctors are God-sent. They brought me back to life," Stephan said. He specifically recalled the encouragement of the nurses who challenged him to take his first steps. "That day, I stood up and walked. They made me believe in life again."

Beyond the Hospital Walls

Stephan’s story is a symbol of resilience and a testament to Tophill Hospital’s capacity to handle the most complex trauma cases in the region. As he prepares to return to his family in South Sudan, he leaves as a walking miracle.