Long Wait: Photo Of Widowed Mum Stuck 4 Months at Tenwek Hospital as Son Awaits Ksh 3M Surgery

A widowed mother’s quiet struggle at Tenwek Hospital has touched many after it emerged that she has spent nearly four months near the facility while waiting for life-saving heart surgery for her teenage son.

The woman, identified as Monica Atieno, is raising three children alone after the death of her husband. 

Her 16-year-old son is currently admitted at the hospital’s specialised cardiothoracic centre, where doctors say he requires urgent surgery estimated to cost KSh3 million.

Months of Waiting at the Hospital

According to people who have met Monica at the hospital, she has remained close to the facility since her son was admitted so that she can respond quickly whenever doctors call.

With no relatives living nearby and limited financial resources, she spends her nights in a small guest house located across the road from the hospital.

The modest room costs about KSh800 per day, excluding food and other daily needs. After staying there for several months, the accommodation bill has continued to grow, making it increasingly difficult for her to keep up with the payments.

Despite the hardship, Monica has chosen not to leave the hospital grounds because she fears missing any updates about her son’s condition.

Painful Sacrifices for Her Family

When her son was admitted to the hospital, Monica made the painful decision to leave her two younger children in the care of relatives so she could stay near the facility.

Friends and other families at the hospital say she spends most of her days moving between the wards and the waiting areas, hoping that help will come so her son can finally undergo surgery.

The teenage boy’s condition requires specialised treatment that can only be carried out once the necessary funds are secured.

Without the KSh3 million required for the procedure, doctors have not been able to schedule the operation.

Appeals for Public Support

Those who have encountered Monica say her determination to stand by her son has been remarkable despite the immense financial pressure she faces.

Well-wishers who learned about her situation say they believe she deserves support from the public.

“She has stayed here for months without giving up,” said one person familiar with the situation. “But she cannot carry this burden alone.”

Monica is now appealing to members of the public for assistance to help cover the cost of the surgery, accommodation and daily needs as she continues to wait at the hospital.

Anyone willing to assist can contact her directly through the phone number 0790 400 189.

A Story That Has Touched Many

Stories of families struggling to pay medical bills are not uncommon in Kenya, but Monica’s situation has particularly moved fellow patients and relatives at the hospital.

Some say meeting her changed their perspective on their own challenges.

For Monica, however, the focus remains on one hope: raising the money needed for her son’s surgery so that he can recover and return to a normal life.