Terry Charity, a KCSE candidate at King David Junior and Secondary School in Juja, faces a unique challenge.

She has a very serious heart condition that she was diagnosed with when she joined Form Three in 2023.

As serious as her condition is, Terry has to sit her KCSE exams while on oxygen support.

It’s her way of life since national exams started last week.

Terry’s parents Lucy Mumbi and Paul Njiru said their day starts very early in the morning as they have to prepare their daughter for exams.

“She was born like any other baby, but when she started walking we realized she was having difficulties. She was always in and out of the hospital. In January 2023, she was diagnosed with a heart condition and we were told to buy her an oxygen tank,” Terry’s father said.

Terry can’t walk. He needs help to get to school.

Because of this, her parents have to hire a taxi to take her to school from their rented house in Sewage Estate.

Rebbeca Ayuma, her teacher, says Terry’s school and peers have initiated ways to support her in her academic journey.

“I set aside her private study room before the exams started to help her remember everything that was taught. Her classmates are helping her move into the common classroom,” said Rebbeca.

The cost of keeping Terry on oxygen takes its toll on the family.

Susan Wambui, one of the volunteers helping the family manage the situation, appealed to Kenyans of goodwill to help the family support Terry’s recovery journey.

“W

We would appeal to Kenyans to support this child because she is a lover of education and progress and that is something that catches our eye and that is why we are here to support her,” she said in an interview.

Terry’s mother sells groceries to support the family. The amount is too small to cover the costs of the treatment as well as to meet the needs of the family.

“The oxygen cylinder costs Sh5,500 to refill every three weeks. The machine consumes a lot of energy. The parents pay about Sh8,000 to Sh10,000 to KPLC monthly. Her medicine is Sh8,000 a month,” Wambui added.

“He cannot use a public means. They have to use a taxi because of the oxygen which is 6000 per month and they also need food”.

Those wishing to support the family can do so through Terry’s mother’s number 0727,792, 560 (Lucy Mumbi Ndungu).