Saluting caregivers for putting their lives on hold to serve others

Kenya: In my over 20 years of medical practice, I have seen patients suffer from a variety of issues. It is very difficult for anyone to face a severe illness, especially one with the potential for loss of independence. In this article, however, I want to recognise the sacrifice of these patients' caregivers. These often unsung heroes give much of themselves to care for their loved ones. And often, they serve with little reward. Let me tell you about a few I have met along the way.

A middle-aged woman spent most of her adult life caring for her brother. He had suffered a neck injury as a teenager and was paralysed from the neck down. At the time I met this caregiver, she had faithfully been there to get her brother in and out of bed, cook for him, give him his medication, bathe him, and dress his wounds for more than 20 years.