This archive report was first published on 10 July 2020.
I lost my leg to cancer, but I’m still standing ¶
At 23, Ruth Wanjiku has already faced two cancers, and now she's battling a third. Despite the challenges, she's determined to live a positive life and inspire others to do the same.
Wanjiku's journey with cancer began when she was 16. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, and was advised to undergo amputation to stop the spread of the disease. She successfully underwent the procedure on March 18, 2015.
However, the amputation came with its own set of challenges. Wanjiku lost her job and most of her friends due to stigma. She was forced to move to the streets of Nairobi to sell sweets and sausages, but she was determined not to give up.
With the help of her friends and family, Wanjiku enrolled in a driving course and secured a job with a taxi company. She now uses her taxi to offer transport services to those seeking treatment in hospitals, and she also shares her experiences with others through a cancer support group called 'I survived'.
Wanjiku's story is one of resilience and determination. Despite facing three cancers, she remains optimistic and continues to inspire others to live a positive life.
Published on July 10, 2020, by Mercy Kahenda.
