Kiambu Mum Pleads for Help to Raise KSh 25m for 1-Year-Old Son with Genetic Condition: "Tuko Mwisho"
- Ann Mercy Wanjiku endured a normal pregnancy, which culminated in the successful delivery of her second-born child
- All was well in the first few months as the newborn breastfed well, gained weight, and was growing normally
- Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Wanjiku, recounted the first symptoms she noticed that showed her son was unwell
- Financial contributions towards the appeal are channelled to Paybill 8061567, Account: Your name, while Wanjiku can be contacted on her number 0725608556 ( Ann Mercy Wanjiku)
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Every parent hopes to give birth to a strong and healthy baby who will enjoy a long and fulfilling life.
Source: UGC
Unfortunately, that is not the case for a family in Kiambu county who are desperately seeking help for their little one.
Wanjiku shares her pregnancy, delivery experience
Ann Mercy Wanjiku is appealing for help for her baby, Jason Kiania Njuguna, who has an underlying medical condition.
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Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, the distressed mother shared the medical history of her son, who now needs an operation.
"I had a normal and successful pregnancy with barely any complications. However, I gave birth through an elective cesarean section due to a previous scar, but there were no complications. Baby Jason was doing fine; we took him to the clinic, he received his vaccinations, was breastfeeding, and was gaining weight until the fourth month," Wanjiku narrated.
Baby Jason diagnosed with pneumonia after breathing difficulties
Jason started to develop breathing complications, and the parents rushed him to the hospital for medical advice.
Wanjiku’s second-born baby was diagnosed with pneumonia and admitted to the hospital immediately.
He was treated until the infection cleared, but baby Jason still could not breathe on his own and was placed on a machine.
"After more tests and evaluations, we did a genetic test confirming he has spinal muscular atrophy type 1, a rare genetic condition that affects muscles, leading to the loss of motor functions such as swallowing, coughing, sitting unsupported, crawling, and walking," the heartbroken mum revealed.
What is a tracheostomy?
Wanjiku said the boy is still in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and has a tracheostomy, a hole that surgeons make through the front of the neck and into the windpipe to help with breathing, according to Mayo Clinic.
"He also has a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube for feeding. We do daily chest physiotherapy and occupational therapy. He is on supportive management, and the doctor recommends gene therapy for treatment. The gene therapy will restore the missing gene, enabling baby Jason to move again," she added.
Wanjiku opens up about emotional turmoil due to son's health
The mother also shared the emotional turmoil she has endured because of her son's medical condition.
She has to create time to visit her son in the hospital while also caring for her four-year-old daughter.
"It is draining and challenging. At the same time, I also have to work, so I am all over. The bills are also quite high because of the severity of baby Jason's condition. We need around KSh 25 million for the gene therapy. We have held some harambees in a bid to raise money for the cause but we are at the end," she added.
Financial contributions towards the medical appeal can be channelled to Paybill 8061567, Account: Your name.
Wanjiku can also be contacted on her number 0725608556 (Ann Mercy Wanjiku).
Source: UGC
Ben Githae makes medical appeal for daughter
In another story, musician Ben Githae took to social media to make an emotional appeal on behalf of his daughter.
The Kikuyu artiste said his daughter Sharon needed a blood transfusion as she prepared for an operation.
Githae also addressed claims that he had abandoned his eight-year-old daughter, whom he fathered outside of wedlock.
Rose Mwangi, Githae's baby mama, had accused the musician of neglecting his responsibilities.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
