As thousands of KCSE candidates sit their exams comfortably across the country, Terry Charity, a student at King David Junior and Secondary School in Juja Kiambu County, battles through her papers with an oxygen cylinder and tubes fitted to aid her breathing.

This has been her reality since the start of the national exams a week ago.

Each morning, Terry’s parents, Lucy Mumbi and Paul Njiru, wake up early to prepare her for the day. Unable to walk, Terry relies on a hired taxi service to transport her to and from school, located a few kilometers from their rented home at Sewage estate opposite Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

Terry’s father, Paul Njiru, recalls that their daughter developed health complications at birth, preventing her from walking. Initially, they enrolled her in a special school, which she completed after Class Eight.

Despite achieving excellent grades that could have earned her a spot in a prestigious secondary school, her condition limited her options, leading her to join King David Junior and Secondary School instead.

Tragically, Terry’s health took a turn for the worse last December, resulting in her hospitalisation and subsequent discharge this year. Her heart condition now necessitates the continuous use of oxygen.

Since March, Terry, the only child of Njiru and Mumbi, has relied on oxygen therapy and other costly treatments to stabilize her health. This has placed immense financial strain on the family.

Susan Wambui, the Kiambu Huduma Center coordinator, has been rallying friends to support the family.

She is calling on well-wishers to step forward and help cover Terry’s medical expenses, easing the family’s burden and giving the bright young student a chance to thrive.