Girl’s six-year agony finally ends

Relief and excitement engulfed Ward 9A at Kenyatta National Hospital Tuesday as Glory Kinya Kinyua was discharged.

The six-year-old had been born with an undeveloped twin that did not have a head or limbs and protruded from her buttocks.

Glory went through an operation at Kijabe Hospital to detach her from the twin in 2009.

However, after the operation, she developed a rash on her lower abdomen where the undeveloped twin had been removed. This turned into a wound that ate into her flesh, releasing pus and blood.

This required an urgent operation to seal the oozing wound but the family lack money to pay for the surgery.

Fortunately, her plight was highlighted by Saturday Nation on March 15 and Kenyans contributed the money needed for the operation on April 1.

Medical fund

More than Sh700,000 was raised towards Glory’s Medical Fund.

Tuesday, doctors gave her a clean bill of health after successful operation.

Her father Francis Kinyua was emotional as he processed her daughter’s discharge.

“I want to sincerely thank Nation for telling Glory’s story. They helped in highlighting our challenge and seeing that Kenyans knew how to contribute to Glory’s medical fund. I also want to thank Kenyans and those in Sweden and Australia who contributed the little they had to see my daughter out of hospital,” he said.

But Glory was not able to walk out of hospital as her father had hoped.

According to medical reports from Kijabe Hospital, Glory was also born with a condition called Spina Bifida.

Thus she may not walk and had to be wheeled out. The wheelchair was donated by well-wishers last week.

Dr John Boore, a neurosurgeon from Kenyatta Hospital, said: “Spina Bifida is a disorder involving incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and their protective coverings. This is caused by the failure of the foetus’ spine to close properly during the first month of pregnancy. Consequently, as Glory exhibited, one would have paralysis on the lower limbs and have bowel and bladder inconsistencies.”

As a result of the inconsistencies, Glory underwent in 2010 an operation to divert a section of the large intestine through an opening in the abdomen (stomach) to provide a new path for waste from the body

The operation is known as colostomy in 2010.

She will, therefore, relieve herself through colostomy bags attached to her stomach.

Luckily, a Colostomy Support Group has pledged to provide her with the bags for a life time.

Nonetheless, this did not dampen father and daughter’s spirit as they left the hospital Tuesday.

“I am happy that I can now go to school. Thank you to all who helped me. I am grateful,” Glory said as she adjusted her foot on her wheelchair pedals.

While at the hospital, she was involved in drawing and colouring classes offered by a well-wisher who hoped art would occupy her mind away from the drudgery of life in hospital.

“Now my daughter can go to school and begin a new life. I intend to venture into the photography business in Maua to make a living for my family. Again, thank you all for the assistance,” Mr Kinyua said.