Dear friends from around the world,
I am blessed to be alive and thriving, even after experiencing a stroke attack back in 2010. It’s been six years since that fateful day, but the memories still linger in my mind. I consider it a miracle to have survived the ordeal, and I thank God daily.
However, I cannot downplay the fact that it was one of the most challenging times of my life.
The stroke hit me on a Tuesday morning at around 6 am. I remember feeling confused and fatigued, unable to perform daily activities like preparing my bath water. I suddenly lost control of my body, leaving me breathless and helpless.
The confusion made it even worse. I could hear people talking around me, but I couldn’t respond or even know if I was still alive. It was a terrifying experience, one that left me nostalgic.
Adding to the complexity of the situation was the fact that I was far away from any medical facility.
I was in a coma for five days, and my family had no idea what to do. My brother, who had taken me to the nearest dispensary, assumed that my problem was minor and left me to attend to his duties. Days passed, and my condition continued to worsen. We were desperate for help.
Finally, my wife suggested we take me to Kenyatta Teaching and Referral Hospital, the best hospital in East and Central Africa. That was the turning point of my recovery journey. I received the treatment I needed, and slowly but surely, I started regaining my strength.
After being discharged from the hospital, I attended rehabilitation and medical clinics at Kenyatta T&R Hospital three times a week.
That’s when I noticed a worrying trend. Each day, a new stroke survivor came for rehabilitation. I was appalled by the rising number of stroke cases in Kenya, and I knew I had to do something.
And so I started a crusade to educate people about stroke as a lifestyle disease that’s treatable.
I promised myself that no Kenyan would die of a stroke again. That’s how the idea of the Stroke Association of Kenya was born, and I’m proud to say that it’s currently registered under the registrar of societies, with about 120 members.
I owe my recovery to the support of my dear wife, Eucabeth Bosibori, who has been my rock through thick and thin. She has tirelessly worked to ensure I get the best care and rehabilitation, and I’m forever grateful for her compassion and love. I also want to acknowledge the efforts of Micah Anuunda, Oriina, Nyangeena, and Nyauuncho, my brothers, who significantly got me to the hospital.
Dr. Nyambega
In conclusion, I pray that I continue to be a good steward, kind humanitarian, and excellent employee.
I wish all stroke survivors a stroke-free environment and urge everyone to take preventive measures against non-communicable diseases.
Let’s make our world a healthier place.