A Place where the suffering find refuge

If one was to make a visit to St. Veronicah’s Support House in Tassia, Nairobi, then they are likely to be met with a heartwarming smile from a special girl. Her jovial demeanor could come as a surprise to many because of the health implications she faces. Hope (not her real name) is a 5 year old girl with mental and spinal cord complications developed from birth. Her parents sought medical treatment for her however, the corrective surgery she underwent failed because it caused a defect in her head. In addition she cannot sit up because her spine is not straight. Unable to afford further medical bills, Hope’s parents turned to St. Veronicah’s Support House for help.

This humble dwelling catering to children with special needs was started by Susan Nyaga, using the little resources she had. To this date, the home receives similar cases as Hope’s. However, the only help St.Veronicah’s Support House can offer the ailing children is free physical therapy sessions thanks to the partnership it got into with Community Health Evangelism, a Christian health organization with limited financial capabilities. Yet they still managed to put the smile on Hope’s face despite her suffering.

While normal children her age run and play as children usually do, Hope spends most of her time confined to her wheel chair or sleeping. This condition in the beginning was very difficult for her parents to accept because they feared getting other children with special needs, their families were in denial, it came with financial implications, and it required a change of lifestyle. However Community Health Evangelism guided Hope’s mother through the process of dealing with the situation.

Consequently, Hope’s mother put aside most of the activities she was involved in, to become a housewife to enable her meet her daughter’s special needs. She faithfully and actively participates in the weekly activities taking place in the support house. Hope’s father is also gradually accepting his daughter’s condition. He is trying his best to meet his daughter’s needs though it is not easy. One thing is for sure though, Hope’s parents are glad that St. Veronicah’s Support House has given them the little assistance they can this far.