<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img src="/nairobi/PublishingImages/naomis%20heart%20beat%20body%20image.jpg" alt="" style="margin: 5px;"/></span> </p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><strong><em>Happy Naomi with her mother Joy recovering at their home in Ruiru</em></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">When you meet six-year-old Naomi Njeri, her laughter and bright smile make it hard to imagine the struggles she and her family have endured. Born to Joy Wambui, a single mother of three in her late 20s, Naomi&#39;s life has been a journey marked by sickness, hardship, and most recently an extraordinary story of hope and healing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Joy&#39;s life took an unexpected turn after the birth of her second child. Once a hardworking mama mboga running her own kiosk, she was forced to close it down when her baby, Naomi, fell ill at only six weeks old. From that moment, Joy&#39;s world revolved around hospital visits, sleepless nights, and the fragile health of her little girl. With no caregiver able to handle Naomi&#39;s special needs, returning to work was impossible. Slowly, the vibrant businesswoman became a mother fighting for survival, relying on the generosity of friends, neighbors, and her church just to get by.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Her own health struggles made matters worse. Joy suffers from chest complications triggered by cold weather, leaving her vulnerable to frequent pneumonia. Even small jobs like washing clothes for neighbors, a common survival activity in her community became impossible. She describes the last few years as a cycle of “struggling to survive while watching my daughter fight to stay alive.&quot;</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Naomi&#39;s health troubles began when she was just six weeks old. What seemed like a common cold turned into alarming symptoms: a blocked nose, heavy mucus, wheezing, and labored breathing. “Her tiny chest moved up and down so fast, as if she was fighting for every breath,&quot; Joy recalls.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Terrified, she rushed Naomi to a local dispensary, where the doctors quickly realized her case was beyond their capacity. She was referred to Kiambu Level 5 Hospital, where further tests, including imaging and pediatric echoes revealed something devastating, a blocked vein in her heart. For Joy, the news was shattering. Doctors explained that Naomi&#39;s heart condition would not only stunt her growth but also limit her life expectancy. Without surgery, she was unlikely to live to the age of 14. The words cut deep, her daughter&#39;s future was slipping away, and the cost of saving her life was completely out of reach.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">From then on, Joy&#39;s life became a journey through hospitals, clinics, and waiting rooms. She sought second opinions and alternatives, hoping for a cheaper solution or a miracle. But everywhere she went, the message was the same “Naomi needs surgery&quot;. The doctors managed her symptoms with medication, but that was only temporary. Joy recalls sleepless nights, holding Naomi close as she wheezed, and wondering if she would live to see the next day. “I could not work. I could not plan for the future. My life was about watching over her and praying.&quot; The financial burden was suffocating.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">With no income and three children to care for, even basic needs were a struggle. The idea of raising close to 2 million shillings for heart surgery was unimaginable. In April 2025, everything changed. Joy&#39;s church announced a free medical camp organized in partnership with Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi. Friends encouraged her to attend, though she thought it would be just another routine clinic.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">What she didn&#39;t expect was that the camp would become the turning point of Naomi&#39;s life. After thorough examinations, the Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi specialists recognized the urgency of her condition. Her case was presented to the hospital&#39;s Patient Welfare Program, and in what Joy describes as “a miracle from God,&quot; it was approved. Naomi would receive the surgery she desperately needed, and the financial burden would be lifted. They presented her story to the hospital&#39;s welfare program, and it was agreed that she would undergo the much-needed open-heart surgery. Joy could hardly believe it. “I cried tears of relief that day,&quot; Joy says, “I had lost hope, and suddenly, I was told my daughter had a chance to live.&quot;</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In May 2025, Naomi underwent open-heart surgery at Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi. The operation was intense, and for three days afterward, she remained in a coma. Joy prayed without ceasing, fearing the worst. But on the third day, Naomi opened her eyes. “That was the moment I knew God had answered my prayers,&quot; Joy remembers. The surgery bill amounted to 1.977 million Kenyan shillings. Joy&#39;s church managed to raise a substantial amount, while the rest was covered by the hospital&#39;s welfare program. It was a relief she describes as “a burden too heavy lifted off my shoulders.&quot; Beyond the surgery, Joy was deeply moved by the care Naomi received. “We were treated with dignity and respect, even though we were welfare patients. The doctors and nurses were kind, the wards were spotless, and every detail of care was exceptional. I never imagined people like us could access world-class healthcare such as what we experienced at Aga Khan University Hospital.&quot; She describes the hospital not just as a place of healing, but as a community that gave her family back their future.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">By June 2025, Naomi was discharged. She is now recovering steadily, her stitches healed, her skin glows with health, and she now enjoys the simple joys of childhood running, playing, and breathing freely. Joy beams with pride as she watches her daughter thrive. “She is like a new child,&quot; she says. “Her smile is brighter, her body stronger. For the first time in years, I can dream about her future.&quot; Meeting her today, one would hardly guess the battles she has overcome. She is cheerful, lively, and full of hope for the future, hoping to be a doctor one day.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Joy carries deep gratitude for God&#39;s grace, the welfare program and, her church community, all who made the surgery possible.&quot; Her story is not just about survival it is about the power of compassion. It is a reminder that with support, even the most vulnerable families can access world-class healthcare and that no parent should have to choose between poverty and their child&#39;s life. Naomi&#39;s journey stands as a beacon of hope for other families facing similar struggles.
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