For eight years, Veronica Ongachi has been a prisoner in her own body. The single mother from Mwimuto, Kiambu County, has watched her stomach swell progressively, a debilitating condition that has stolen her livelihood and left her in constant pain.

This is more than a personal health crisis; it is a family on the brink. Ongachi is the sole caregiver for her son, who has special needs and requires constant attention. Her deteriorating health now threatens both their futures, prompting an emotional appeal for public support.

An Unsolved Medical Puzzle

The ordeal began when Ongachi first noticed the swelling and sought medical advice. Doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) recommended surgery after several consultations, but the cost was an insurmountable barrier for the struggling mother. Without the funds to proceed, her condition has only worsened over the years.

The lack of a clear diagnosis and the inability to afford treatment have left her trapped in a cycle of pain and poverty. The swelling has caused further complications, making even simple acts like sleeping a nightly struggle.

A Mother's Dual Burden

Compounding her physical suffering is the immense emotional strain of her son's condition. He lives with an underlying medical issue that can sometimes cause him to become violent, requiring a level of care that Ongachi, in her state, finds increasingly difficult to provide.

With no financial resources, neither mother nor son can access the medical help they urgently need. The family's situation highlights the stark choices faced by many Kenyans juggling chronic illness and caregiving responsibilities without a safety net.

Veronica Ongachi’s plea is a cry for a lifeline. It is a hope that she can finally undergo the surgery she was advised to have years ago, reclaim her health, and provide the care her vulnerable son deserves.