I can’t breathe on my own

Peris Igoki at home in Mundu area of Ciangera sub-location, Embu County

We were leading a relatively comfortable life with my family in Nairobi where my husband Edward and I worked as casual labourers. But 2010 saw my life regress from that of an ambitious, hardworking and energetic wife and mother to a sickly person dependent on others even for simple tasks.

Following a bout of illness, I was diagnosed with tuberculosis. I was given the usual medication which I took religiously and I was confident that in a few months’ time, I would regain my health. This was not to be. I seemed not to get well and I visited different hospitals, sometimes getting admitted for several days. This drained us financially and emotionally yet a cure remained elusive. I was unable to get back to my job and due to the high cost of living in the city, we relocated to our rural home in Mundu, Embu County.