Brave cancer survivors yearn for a normal life

By Twinkle reporter

At first glance, the children’s cancer ward at the Kenyatta National Hospital looks like a playground. Children of all ages and sizes play without a care in the world. But when you look closely at them, you notice they are ill.

Six-year-old Purity Mbeneka has cancer.

"I started coughing and got swollen glands three years ago," Purity told Twinkle.

Her mother, Salome Nzioka, took her to a hospital in Machakos.

"The medicine Purity was given did not make a difference," Salome says.

After visiting the hospital several times, doctors told Salome to take Purity to Kenyatta National Hospital.

ABOVE: Winrose Mukami and her mother. RIGHT: Winrose lost a leg to bone cancer.

"The doctors, nurses and counsellors here have been very good to us. They have helped us understand the cancer," says Salome.

However, Salome says the treatment is very expensive.

"The cancer I have is curable. When I am better, I can lead a normal life. I want to become a doctor," says Purity.

Also staying in the ward is 12-year-old bone cancer survivor Winrose Mukami. She has been at the hospital for one year.

"I can’t wait to be discharged. There is nothing I would like better than to go back to school so I can become a doctor and a singer," she says.

Winrose’s biggest dream is to meet gospel singer Rose Muhando and perform with her.

But her dream might have to wait a little longer, as her mother, Florian Mwanzi, says she has no idea where she will get the money to pay the Sh300,000 hospital bill.

Winrose cannot be discharged before the bill is paid.

Still, Winrose has a positive attitude. Even the fact that doctors had to amputate her leg does not seem to bother her.

"I get my strength from prayer. The staff here have also helped me accept my condition," she says.