Despite the crushing weight of illness, financial hardship, and family struggles, Jedida Njeri’s unshakable spirit shines through. She shares her story with Silas Nyamweya
You have been facing immense challenges with your health, your family, and financial struggles. Tell us about it
My name is Jedida Njeri, I am 40 years old and a single mother of three – a grown-up son and two daughters. Currently, I reside in Korogocho slums with my two daughters. My eldest son is struggling with drug addiction and spends most of his time in drinking dens.
In July of this year, I began experiencing strange and severe complications that led me to seek medical attention at the nearby Mama Lucy Hospital.
The pain, which was unbearable, started in my legs, joints, and abdomen, prompting me to call my neighbours, who helped me get to the hospital. After undergoing several tests and scans, the doctors referred me to Kenyatta National Hospital.
enyatta, I was diagnosed with a condition I had never heard of before – Endometrial Hyperplasia, a form of cancer. This news left me devastated, as I am someone without means, solely relying on casual jobs, such as washing clothes to make ends meet.
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Since the diagnosis in July, I have undergone numerous medical procedures aimed at alleviating the pain and addressing the growth in my abdomen and other parts of my body.
I must admit, for someone like me, a cancer diagnosis feels like a death sentence, especially with the financial struggles I face.
I have been attending Kenyatta Hospital at least twice a week, and each visit requires transport money and funds for the hospital fees. I am grateful to the Social Health Authority (SHA), who have helped pay a significant portion of my medical bills, which total nearly Sh200,000. However, I am still financially strained, as I must find transport money and support my two children at home.
As the sole breadwinner in my family, I struggle every day to put food on the table. The challenges I face have taken a toll on my family – my youngest daughter, who is in Grade Eight, has been unable to attend school due to fees arrears. Although she is in a public institution, there are still several costs that I am unable to meet. Unfortunately, she missed the previous term because of this.
The weight of our struggles has also affected my eldest son, who, at 23, has turned to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with the depression caused by our situation. It breaks my heart to see him slipping further into addiction, and I feel powerless to help him.
Moreover, my daughter, my youngest child, found herself in a relationship and conceived out of wedlock. I believe this decision was a result of the frustration we were enduring as a family, as she was searching for ways to cope and survive.
I am humbly reaching out to Kenyans of goodwill to come to my aid. My medical condition requires further attention and surgery, which will cost over Sh400,000. I do not have the means to raise this amount, and I am living with the pain, uncertain of what the future holds.
If I could also receive assistance for my son’s addiction and help for my daughter to find work or a means of survival, I would be incredibly grateful. Any form of support would bring me hope and relief during this difficult time.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your generosity can make a world of difference in my life and the lives of my children.