Nairobi Mother Humbled As Doctors In India Mark Daughter's First Birthday In Hospital: "Thankful"

• Teresa Ndung'u was emotional after doctors in India surprised her baby girl with a lovely birthday celebration
• Emotions overwhelmed the mum, who is in India for her daughter Arianna Wairimu's bone marrow transplant and treatment
• She opened up to TUKO.co.ke about their trip abroad and the process of the treatment as she seeks financial support

A mother has experienced a sweet moment as her daughter marked her first birthday in unfamiliar territory.

Teresa Ndung'u had flown her daughter Arianna Wairimu to India for further treatment after being diagnosed with a blood condition.

Medical team members' kindness towards Arianna

She required a bone marrow transplant and was under stress as she had a few months to save her daughter's life.

"Before the transplant could take place, Arianna had to undergo a series of tests, and we needed to raise a significant portion of the required funds within a specific timeframe for her to be admitted. After much effort and waiting, we were finally admitted on June 17. The admission process is intense, with a minimum stay of 21 days, though some patients stay longer depending on how their bodies respond.

Arianna's first birthday found us within the walls of the hospital. Given her young age and unique situation, Arianna quickly became a beloved figure among the medical staff. Nurses and other medical team members, even those not assigned to her, would often stop by to check on her, a touching display of their care and concern," Ndung'u told TUKO.co.ke.

Arianna gifted cake on birthday in India

She noted it was a bittersweet moment as they celebrated the little one's first birthday in a hospital ward amidst such a crucial and challenging procedure.

Understanding the day's significance, the hospital team organized a surprise celebration.

They brought in two cakes and gifts, and because of their isolation, only the Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) and ICU teams were allowed to join.

Arianna to undergo frequent tests in India

"Despite the challenges and the intense side effects of the transplant process, they brought smiles to our faces, and we were deeply thankful to see Arianna cut her first birthday cake.

We are in the midst of a critical 90-day follow-up period lasting until late October. This phase involves frequent tests, requiring us to remain in India. We would greatly appreciate any support to help us cover the costs of this crucial follow-up care and our continued stay here," the Nairobi mum pleaded.

Please use pay bill 522533 and account number 7834867 (Arianna Medical Fund) for support. M-Pesa contributions can be sent to Ndung'u at +254720677064.

Tanzanian medical staff face suspension for birthday celebration

Separately, Sakamu Hospital, a private medical facility in Tanzania, found itself at the centre of controversy as employees faced suspension.

This was after a video went viral depicting two hospital staffers joyfully celebrating a colleague's birthday by dousing her with medical saline solution.

The incident was initially misattributed to Nyankumbu Health Center but later confirmed by Sakamu Hospital's Executive Director.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke