Baby with breathing defect set for operation thanks to well-wishers

Five months ago, Violet Atieno expected to deliver her bundle of joy, which would literally cement her young marriage as she starts a journey into motherhood.

When she did not hear the sound of a crying baby after delivery at the Rachuonyo Health Centre in Oyugis, her motherly instincts alerted her something was wrong.

Doctors told her the baby, whom she named Precious Favour Ooko had complications and could not breath through her nostrils as it was completely blocked. So she had to breath through mouth.

They said the condition, scientifically known as adenoid hypertrophy (enlarged adenoids) is caused by unusual growth of the adenoid tonsil, which causes an obstruction of the nasal airways.

Every time Precious, who is yet to be weaned, has to breastfeed, it turns out to be a life threatening exercise lest she chocks.

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Life threatening

"It is not easy feeding her. I have to be careful because the line between her feeding and death is very thin. She has to temporarily stop to gasp for breath after suckling," said Atieno.

With her husband working as a barber in Kisii, the family is literally living on a shoe string budget and could not afford the Sh7,000 for x-ray and fare from Oyugis to Kisumu’s Jaramogi Oginga Training and Referral Hospital.

"I got a job at a salon in Oyugis, but I can’t work and leave my daughter at home. She needs constant watch," said Atieno.

The story of Baby Precious was carried on KTN and KTN News on Wednesday evening, and several viewers have come up to inquire how Atieno can be assisted. The baby was finally admitted last evening and an operation is set for today.