Lucy Mumbi, a Kenyan mother from Juja, embodies resilience and determination as she navigates the challenges of raising her disabled daughter, Terry Charity, who is currently sitting for her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination (KCSE) while using an oxygen mask.
Terry was born with scoliosis, a condition that causes a sideways curvature of the spine and has left her unable to walk independently. Despite a realignment surgery in 2013, Terry’s condition did not improve, and she continues to rely on her mother’s support. Despite her physical limitations, Terry has consistently excelled academically. Lucy proudly recounts how her daughter has maintained excellent grades, even though she has had to miss school several times a year for hospital visits. Terry’s academic success has been a source of pride and inspiration for her family.
The financial burden of raising Terry has been overwhelming for Lucy and her husband. From hospital charges to commuting to school, buying medication, and providing specialized nutrition, the bills have piled up. Lucy, a casual worker, has become the sole breadwinner, as Terry’s father stays home to help with the oxygen machines. The electricity bill for powering the medical equipment amounts to approximately Sh13,000 per month, further straining the family’s resources. Every hospital trip from their home in Juja to Gatundu must be taken in an ambulance due to the oxygen devices, costing around Sh6,000 per trip.
Despite these challenges, the community has rallied to support Lucy and Terry. A private school Terry attended paid for her commute to school for a short period, and community members have funded her taxi rides to sit for her final exams. Kiambu Huduma Centre coordinator Susan Wambui has mobilized friends and community members to ensure that Terry’s examination period is as stress-free as possible for both the candidate and her mother. Lucy remains hopeful that Terry will score well in her KCSE and receive a scholarship to university, which would alleviate the financial burden on the family.
“I would like to tell Kenyans to help us so that the child can get better treatment because we know that when she finishes her KCSE she will score good marks. We also hope she will receive a scholarship to university,” says Lucy.
