While most 21-year-olds are busy with university studies and planning their futures, Angeline Guto from Nyeri County is fighting for her life.
She has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer that mostly affects young people.
Her journey began in 2021 when she noticed a small swelling below her knee. At first, it was painless and doctors assumed it was arthritis.
For months she took medication, but her condition worsened. Eventually, specialists confirmed it was cancer.
“I never expected someone my age to get such a disease. When I heard the results, I broke down. My father tried to stay strong, but I could see the pain in his eyes,” Angeline recalls.
Doctors recommended chemotherapy to shrink the tumor, followed by amputation of her affected leg. Accepting the loss of a limb was difficult, but she has since learned to embrace her new reality.
“At first it felt like losing a part of myself, but with time I accepted it,” she said.
Chemotherapy has not been easy for her. She describes it as harsh, with side effects such as fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and low blood counts that often leave her weak. Despite the physical struggles, she leans on her family for emotional support.
Public stigma has been another hurdle. “When people stare or whisper, it used to hurt me. Now I use it as a chance to educate others about cancer,” Angeline explains.
Her education has also been affected. Though her lecturers know little about her condition, classmates step in to share notes when she misses classes.
Still, the biggest challenge remains financial. Medical scans and treatments are costly, and her family often struggles to raise funds.
Angeline is now using her story to advocate for change. She appeals to the government to increase the cancer budget and make treatment more affordable.
“Families end up selling everything they own just to save a life. Services should be made cheaper and accessible,” she urges.
Experts say osteosarcoma is rare but deadly if detected late. They encourage young people not to ignore unusual swellings, especially around joints… Keep reading
