Nairobi Caterer Mulls Over Selling House to Offset Medical Bills, Fund Heart Surgery: "Niko Mwisho"
- Alice Okoth Okwonya has been bedridden at home on a makeshift bed in her living room for the past three months
- She narrated to TUKO.co.ke the various medical conditions she battles, including a heart problem that could potentially end her life
- The single mother of two is now considering selling the house she has lived in for five years to raise funds for her treatment
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Alice, who resides in Nairobi county, shared her heartbreaking story about the medical conditions that have left her bedridden for months.
Source: Original
She is currently suffering at home due to a series of underlying health issues that have taken a toll on her physically, emotionally, and financially.
Once known as a workaholic, Alice explained that she has sought medical advice, gone for checkups, undergone surgery, and taken numerous medications — but her condition has only slightly improved.
When was Alice diagnosed with heart condition?
She opened up to TUKO.co.ke about the journey that forced her to take compulsory medical leave from her job as a school caterer.
"I was diagnosed with a heart condition in 2023, as well as hiatus hernia and supraumbilical hernia. I underwent surgery to treat the supraumbilical hernia, but I was left suffering from the hiatus. Since then, I’ve been taking medicine to try and dissolve a clot between the heart and the lungs.
Then, in June 2024, I was diagnosed with decompensated right heart failure. I’ve had right-sided heart failure, meaning the blood flowing into my heart isn’t enough to circulate to the lungs and the rest of the body," she painfully and weakly stated.
Alice opens up on KSh 1.7 million debt
Alice noted that the cost of medicine has become overwhelming, forcing her to explore other avenues to raise funds.
She revealed she has accumulated debts amounting to over KSh 1.7 million, borrowed from mobile loan apps and financial institutions.
The single mother has also been unable to settle several medical bills, including payment to the surgeon who operated on her heart.
"I didn’t pay my surgeon a coin. The doctor understood my condition and struggles and allowed me to go home before clearing the bill. Most of the money has gone into purchasing very expensive medicines — some costing as much as KSh 50,000 — which I order from India," she said.
How can one contribute towards Alice's medical appeal?
As a mother of two, Alice is now considering selling her house to offset the many bills and debts.
Although she knows this could leave her sons homeless, she is determined to ensure they will not be left without a roof over their heads.
"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.
Financial contributions can be made through the M-Changa Paybill number: 891300, Account number: 115949.
Source: Original
Kenyans encourage ailing woman
The caterer's plight has touched the hearts of many on social media. Here is what some had to say:
Anna Ndung'u said:
"I watched her story on TUKO TV and I felt for her. Her oldest son was forced to skip school to care for her and her aging parents. This is sad. Can we do something to help her."
Jean Waheto said:
"Also, a lesson to ladies, most men will leave you when you get sick."
Benter Atieno
"Nothing is impossible before our living God. You'll be healed by the blood of the Lord, just believe."
Patooh Blessed said:
"May God intervene, Eric Omondi assist this mum in any way possible."
Baringo mum seeks KSh 1 million for baby's surgery
In another story, a single mother from Baringo county appealed for help in raising money for a life-changing surgery for her baby.
Sharon Lang’at urgently sought KSh 1 million for her young son Jayden’s critical heart surgery.
Lang’at told TUKO.co.ke that her son was born prematurely and was diagnosed with a heart condition just one month after birth.
Racheal Nyaguthie, HoD Human Interest, contributed to this article by adding reactions.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
