Facebook group helps Kiambu woman get treatment for fibroids, builds her new house

Social media activist Ndung'u Nyoro (left) with Lucy Nyaguthiĩ and her husband Charles Kinuthia outside their newly constructed house. A Facebook group helped Nyaguthiĩ get treatment for fibroids and built the house. PHOTO | COURTESY | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The mother of one learnt of the power of social media after she was treated for massive fibroids.
  • Kamau explained that he was not aware of what was wrong, but his wife’s stomach had started swelling a few years ago.
  • The Lucy and Charles Initiative page was officially launched on Facebook to monitor the progress of the couple.
  • Nyoro says that the love behind the project was what drove them to carry on with the initiative.

Millions of people view social media site Facebook as an opportunity to catch up, chat with friends or even share jokes.

Yet, for 55-year-old Lucy Nyaguthiĩ, the platform was the miracle she had waited for for more than 23 years.

The mother of one learnt of the power of social media after she was treated for massive fibroids and got a new fully furnished two-bedroomed house in King’eero, Kiambu after a campaign on the social media platform.

Her husband, Charles Kinuthia approached a social media activist, Ndung’u Nyoro, a month ago and literally begged him to pay them a visit.

Nyoro, after declining the offer on several occasions, decided to honour the invite and passed by the couple’s home while on his way home one evening.

“When I reached their home, Kinuthia showed me around and introduced me to his wife.

"When I looked at her, I thought she was expectant, which would have been weird as her aged betrayed her,” said Nyoro.

STRANGE STOMACH SWELLING

Kinuthia explained that he was not aware of what was wrong, but his wife’s stomach had started swelling a few years ago and would not stop.

The bulge continued growing with each passing day

Nyaguthiĩ at that time could not walk or do any duties around the house due to her condition.

Kinuthia also has a hip bone problem and the two relied heavily on selling bananas and oranges to earn a living.

“Sometimes, I would collect plastic bottles and take them to Wangige Market where I would sell them for a few shillings,” said Nyaguthiĩ

The couple was often forced to sleep without meals due to the poverty.

“I was shocked. I had never experienced such poverty levels.

Their house was made of rusty iron sheets and when it rained it became a nightmare for them due to the gaping holes,” said Nyoro.

Members of the Charles and Lucy Initiative, a Facebook group when they visited the couple in King'eero, Kiambu County.

POSTED PICTURES ON FACEBOOK

Nyoro immediately posted pictures of the couple’s residence and Lucy’s health condition on his Facebook wall.

Immediately, people started inquiring on what they could do to help.

“Many started donating food and clothes for the couple. People started pledging money for their upkeep.

"However, Lucy’s health became the greatest concern as we did not know what was wrong with her,” said Nyoro

The Lucy and Charles Initiative page was officially launched on Facebook to monitor the progress of the couple.

However, the people involved demanded to know what was wrong with her stomach and opted to pay for her to be taken to hospital and tested.

MASSIVE FIBROIDS

“She was found to have massive fibroids and when they were removed they weighed ten kilogrammes.

“This is the weight of at least three babies in her womb, which she had carried for thirteen years,” said Kinuthia

A doctor volunteered to carry out surgery on her for free.

“We only had to pay Sh30 000 to Mbagathi Hospital for treatment,” said Nyoro

While she was still in hospital, the #TeamProgress group as they called themselves, decided to construct a house for the couple.

“We decided to give our energy into the construction and we were often guided by an expert on how to carry it out.

“We did the basics, from the laying of the foundation to the painting of the house and the roofing,” said Charles Njehu, who oversaw the construction.

Lucy Nyaguthiĩ (left) and her husband Charles Kinuthia together with neighbours and members of the Facebook group.

NEWS SEATS, MATTRESSES

They also brought in a new set of seats and beds with high density mattresses.

“We just wanted to ensure that we completely revolutionised their lifestyle.

“They needed a new beginning and we were ready to provide that,” said Wanja Mwaura, another volunteer.

On Sunday, the house was officially handed over to them in an event that drew people from as far as Nakuru.

The chief guest, Njogu wa Njoroge, a popular radio presenter, was overwhelmed by the Kenyan spirit.

“Many times, people who give are the ones who have nothing left to spare.

“Majority are the ones who give Sh200 and Sh300.

"Because we ask them to forward the M-Pesa messages for credibility, we normally see the balance left and its then we realise they remain with nothing,” said Mr Njoroge

Nyoro says that the love behind the project was what drove them to carry on with the initiative.

“It is the things we do for love that will stand the test of time,” he added.