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Alice Okoth Okwonya has been confined to a temporary bed in her living room at home for the last three months.
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She spoke to .co.ke about the different medical issues she faces, such as a heart condition that poses a risk of cutting her life short.
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A mother of two who has been living in her home for half a decade is now thinking about putting it up for sale to generate money for her medical expenses.
Alice, who lives in Nairobi County, recounted her poignant tale of being confined to her bed due to prolonged health issues.
Currently, she is enduring hardships at home because several pre-existing health conditions have adversely affected her physical well-being, emotional state, and financial situation.
Previously recognized as a workaholic, Alice revealed that despite seeking professional guidance, having regular check-ups, undergoing surgeries, and taking various medications, her situation has only marginally gotten better.
At what point was Alice found to have a heart condition?
She opened up to
.co.ke
regarding the trip that led to her being mandated to go on medical leave from her position as a school cook.
In 2023, I received a diagnosis of a heart issue along with both a hiatal hernia and a supr umbilical hernia. After having surgery for the supr umbilical hernia, I continued to experience problems related to the hiatal one. Ever since then, I have been using medication in an attempt to break down a clot located between my heart and lungs.
In June 2024, I received a diagnosis of decompensated right heart failure. This means I have been experiencing right-sided heart failure, where the blood entering my heart is insufficient to be circulated to both the lungs and the remainder of my body,” she said, speaking with great difficulty and weakness.
Alice discloses a KSh 1.7 million debt.
Alice observed that the price of medication had escalated to an unmanageable extent, compelling her to seek alternative methods for raising money.
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She disclosed that her total debt, taken from mobile loans and various financial organizations, adds up to more than KSh 1.7 million.
The single mom has likewise struggled to cover multiple medical expenses, such as the bill from the surgeon who worked on her heart.
“I did not pay my surgeon anything. The doctor grasped my situation and challenges and let me leave before settling the payment. A significant portion of the funds went towards buying highly priced medications—some costing up to KSh 50,000—which I purchase from India,” she explained.
What ways are available for supporting Alice’s medical fundraiser?
As a parent to two children, Alice is contemplating selling her home to help cover the numerous bills and financial obligations she faces.
Even though she realizes this might make her sons homeless, she remains resolute in making sure they won’t be left without a place to live.
“I need the money to fund another heart surgery. I’ve been told I need an operation — otherwise, I’ll continue taking over 20 different medicines for the rest of my life. The surgery would relieve a lot of the burden, which my sons already feel heavily,” she said.
Monetary donations can be submitted via the M-Changa Paybill number: 891300, with the account number being 115949.
Mother from Baringo requests KSh 1 million for her infant’s operation
In yet another narrative, a lone parent hailing from Baringo County sought assistance in amassing funds required for an essential operation that could transform her infant’s life.
Sharon Lang’at desperately needed KSh 1 million for her young son Jayden’s urgent heart operation.
Lang’at told
.co.ke
that her child was born premature and received a heart condition diagnosis barely a month following his birth.
