My daughter wants to be a doctor: The story of Eunice Wanjiku

 A malnourished and ailing Eunice Wanjiku drew attention on social media when her photos were shared online. David Mwitari spoke to Wanjiku’s mum, Teresia Kamau, who told him how her daughter has suffered for years and why she is not about to give up

It must be painful to see your daughter in such a state. How did her condition start?

My daughter Eunice is only 10 years old and her condition started in 2012. She was healthy when growing up even in nursery school.

One day, she developed a pimple-like swelling on her left leg and we didn’t think it was anything serious. But when her eyes and urine turned yellow, we knew something was wrong.

Did you seek medical help?

Yes. We first went to Kijabe Mission Hospital where doctors diagnosed her with a liver problem. She was admitted for a week. After being discharged, we were booked for clinic once every month.

But her condition did not improve. After about eight months, she developed some ringworm-like swelling on her leg. A few days later, the swelling developed into a wound.

The painful wound increased in size and soon, affected both legs and hands. We went to Mbagathi District Hospital from where she was later referred to Kenyatta National Hospital. That was in 2014.

What did the doctors say?

Well, to be honest, we reached a dead end. My husband and I are jobless and we live each day by God’s grace. Since we didn’t have any money, we kept her in the house hoping for a miracle.

Since December last year, Eunice has been at home receiving no medication and she has become very weak.

Luckily, through the help of well-wishers, we manged to bring her to hospital where she was diagnosed with systemic scleraderma, which is an autoimmune disorder of the connective tissue.

The doctors also found that she was chronically malnourished.

I am sure the treatment is not cheap. How much money is required for her treatment?

Currently, since she is still under observation, the bill is not yet clear. But thankfully, through Ndungu Nyoro, we have so far managed to raise Sh4 million. Hopefully, this will be enough to cater for the hospital bill.

How is she fairing at Kenyatta National Hospital so far?

Consultant doctors are currently taking care of her as they plan her treatment, since she has to regain her energy.

What does she want to be when she grows up?

Wanjiku has always made it clear that she would want to be a pastor or doctor. Before she developed the condition, she was in pre-unit and she is still determined to achieve her dream.