A Life of Resilience and Hope
Lily, a young woman from Nakuru County, has faced numerous challenges from an early age due to a condition known as kyphoscoliosis. This spinal deformity has significantly impacted her life, making even simple tasks difficult. Despite the pain and physical limitations, Lily continues to work hard, selling homemade detergents and other products in Mombasa.
Early Struggles and Family Support
Lily was born with kyphoscoliosis, a condition that affects the shape and alignment of the spine. When she was only six months old, doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital performed surgery on her back to remove an unusual growth. However, this procedure did not provide long-term relief. Over time, another growth developed on the left side of her back, causing increasing pain and difficulty.
Lily was raised by her aunt, who took her in and supported her through school while ensuring regular physiotherapy sessions at the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital (P.G.H.) Nakuru. Her late mother played a significant role in her life, taking her for frequent physiotherapy sessions between the ages of 8 and 13, hoping for a better future.
The Loss of Parents and New Challenges
In 2015, Lily lost her beloved mother after a short illness, which deeply affected her. Despite this loss, she found strength in her mother’s memory, which became a constant reminder of love and perseverance. Later, her father also passed away, changing her life completely. Since then, she has had to face life on her own, relying on her aunt’s support whenever possible.
By the time she reached Class 4, swelling on one side of her back caused her to walk as if she were bending. Despite several hospital visits, her condition continued to deteriorate. After high school, her studies came to a halt, and she had to find ways to support herself.
Impact of Kyphoscoliosis on Daily Life
The spinal deformity affects Lily’s nerves, causing frequent headaches and sometimes interfering with her eyesight. Despite these challenges, she remains determined to survive, stay hopeful, and work hard for a better future. She runs a small business in Mombasa, where she makes and sells liquid soaps, detergents, and fabric softeners such as Sta-Soft and Downy. She also distributes these products to nearby shops to earn a living.
Due to her condition, walking long distances or carrying heavy items is difficult, but she tries her best to keep the business going. Sometimes, even the chemicals she uses affect her chest and nerves, yet she keeps pushing forward because giving up is not an option.
Medical Assessments and Lack of Assistance
In 2019, Lily visited Kwale County Hospital for an assessment and X-ray, which showed how the condition had worsened. It affected her entire back, and she was issued a Persons with Disability (PWD) card confirming her status. Unfortunately, she has not received any assistance from the council despite this recognition.
Despite all the pain and physical limitations, Lily remains hopeful and believes that with the support of kind-hearted individuals, organizations, and well-wishers, she can undergo specialized surgery abroad to correct her spine and rebuild her life.
A Call for Help and Inspiration
Doctors have now advised Lily to undergo specialized surgery abroad, a procedure that could significantly improve her quality of life. However, the high cost of medical care and travel has become a major barrier.
Lily is now kindly appealing and reaching out to well-wishers, organizations, and kind-hearted Kenyans for financial and flight assistance. Fortunately, she already has friends abroad who are willing to host and accommodate her during her treatment and recovery period.
Before her condition worsened, Lily had worked in different resorts and hotels across Mombasa, Malindi, Diani, and Eldoret. She has recommendation letters and work experience certificates to support her credibility and background in the hospitality field.
All Lily is asking for is a chance to heal and rebuild her future. Her courage and faith continue to inspire those around her, and she remains hopeful that one act of kindness could finally give her the freedom she has been waiting for.