Recovery continues for woman shot in Kenya

PORTLAND, Ore. - The daughter of an Oregon woman who was shot in the face in the east African nation of Kenya spoke to KATU News on Wednesday to give an update on her mother's condition.

Traci Briggs is the daughter of Carol Briggs, who moved to Kenya in November as a volunteer to help AIDS orphans. 

Carol Briggs was shot in the mouth earlier this month after gangsters stopped her car.  Prominent African AIDS researchers Job Bwayo and his wife Elizabeth were riding with Briggs.  Job Bwayo was killed and his wife survived.

According to Traci Briggs, the family is still trying to get her mother home.  Right now, Carol's doctor in Kenya is talking to doctors at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) about whether it is safe for her to fly.

Traci said early reports that her mother lost an eye were incorrect, but she has lost sight in her left eye.  She also has frontal lobe damage, which could affect her insight, abstract thinking, emotional insight and could cause personality changes. 

Doctors are hoping Carol's injuries will not affect her language.  Her ability to smell may be in jeopardy as well and she could require psychological rehabilitation.  The family is awaiting a second opinion from OHSU.

Traci said her mother has undergone three major surgeries since she was admitted.  She is able to sit up, but is unable to walk and unable to speak clearly due to her head injuries and injuries in her mouth.

Traci said the family has discovered that before her mother was shot, she paid for two surgeries for children who would have otherwise died. 

Carol is a retiree with no health insurance and the medical costs are high.  Donations can be made at any U.S. bank branch or can be mailed to:

Carol Briggs Medical Fund
Tigard Community Friends Church
P.O. Box 230117
Tigard, OR  97281

In addition, the Tigard Community Friends Church is planning a silent auction on March 24 to help raise more money for the medical costs.

As for the man responsible for shooting Carol, according to Traci, Kenyan police shot the suspected shooter dead after they surrounded his house and he walked out armed.  She said he was wanted in connection with 18 deaths in the Nairobi area.