Rispah Nasimiyu, 84, from Kibingei Ward in Kimilili Constituency, Bungoma County is appealing for financial assistance to enable her undergo chemotherapy at Eldoret Referral Hospital and thereafter her second oral surgery.
Speaking to KNA in Bungoma town, her daughter Sarah Wafula stated that her mother started complaining of a sore on the tongue that later developed into an itching wound.
She adds that her mother has been admitted in several hospitals across the County without getting proper medication.
“Since this problem started our family has sold everything to cater for my mother’s health but she has never cured,” she said.
Rispha was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor on her tongue in September 2018 at Moi Referral Hospital and was booked for a minor surgery in January 2019.
However, her operation was delayed due to lack of enough funds and reported back for the operation one year later, in January 2020 where surgery was conducted successfully.
Unfortunately, the wound resurfaced one month later and doctors recommended that she should be taken through radiotherapy and chemotherapy before undergoing her second operation.
Sarah reveals that her mother only attended radiotherapy sessions at a private hospital in Eldoret for three consecutive months since all patients were forced to vacate Eldoret Hospital after Covid-19 pandemic struck.
“I had to rent a house in Eldoret to enable my mother to go through radiotherapy where I spent Sh 1, 500 per day for her welfare,” she said.
The total bill added up to Sh 530,000 and NHIF only covered 72,000,’’ she said, adding that they have struggled to source for funds from family members and friends and up to now they still owe the hospital.
“She speaks with a lot of strain and takes time to swallow food. Any assistance to help us share the burden of putting a smile back on my mother’s face will be greatly appreciated,” said Wafula. Contributions can be channeled through Mpesa number: 0727684759.
By Enoch Sitati and Roseland Lumwamu
