Ann is a middle aged woman from Nakuru, Kenya. She is a mother to two children. Her husband has hip problems and has not been able to work since 2013. The family relies on help from neighbors, and they live in a four roomed house, which is incomplete as the husband got sick before its completion. He was the sole provider of the family. Ann used to sell cakes to supplement her family income. She has since stopped as she is not able to walk with ease.
In 2013 September, Ann complained of back pains and made several visits to the hospital. She was given pain management drugs. She needed an x-ray which she took after several months due to financial burdens. The images indicated swollen veins and muscle on her back and legs. In 2015, after several clinical visits, she had an MRI done which indicated that Ann had arthritis. Ann is not able to walk or move with ease and has thus stopped working. She has to rely on friends to assist her as her husband is bedridden.
If not treated, Ann will continue having a lot of pain and numbness. She risks having permanent disability. Surgery was recommended but she has not been able to raise the amount needed. A spinal fusion will cost $1500, and is expected to significantly improve Ann’s condition.
“I want to be well to work and provide for my family,” Ann shared.