$15,000 raised for Cancer struck Kenyan

Kenyans at Saint Stephen's Church in Lowell, Mass. during a fundraisng to help a Kenyan hospitalized in Boston suffering from Cancer. Over $15,000 was raised. pic by Nguyaii Wa-Mbarii/Ajabu

By Nguyaii Wa-Mbarii, AjabuAfrica.com

LOWELL,Mass. , DECEMBER18_With willing hearts and rich pockets, Kenyans from all walks of life and from many churches gathered together at St. Stephen's church in Lowell Mass. on November 29th in aid of one of their own Stephen Ngaruiya who is admitted in a hospital in Boston fighting cancer.

 The prolonged treatment that Ngaruiya is undergoing has led to a rapid depletion of family funds due to the high cost of medications, and the bills are still mounting.

The event saw more than six churches come together for the Harambee (Swahili for "harnessing communal effort to achieve a certain goal") and do the seemingly insurmountable task of helping one of their own struggling with disease and a large bill.

Congregants included members of the Saint Stephens Church, where Ngaruita worships. They were joined by other well wishers from Saint Michael’s Catholic Church, PCEA Ushindi, Calvary and Christ is The Answer Church and CCF church, all from around the Lowell area.

Stephen Kanyoni , the master of ceremonies

More that $15,000 was raised in less than three hours for the good cause.

The mcee, Stephen Kanyoni of PCEA Ushindi church, a brother in law to the ailing Ngaruiya, kept the wellwishers who tuned up excited, intertwining humor and crafty demand for funds, culminating in the success witnessed.

Moving a vote of thanks on behalf of the family, Mr. John Itibi congratulated members of the fund raising committee for their relentless effort in making the day a success.

 “As a family, we are overcome by your generosity and love you have shown us today”, said Itibi. “This will help us a lot of defraying the accumulating bills, and offer our dear brother a chance for recovery. May God bless you all”, added Itibi.

He also thanked the new Saint Stephens live band for superb entertainment that helped bring out more money from the people’s pockets, helping Ngaruiya’s family meet the goal for their loved father.

 Itibi expressed more gratitude to the pastor of the church, Rev. Samuel Kimohu, the congregation of Saint Stephens and all those who came from other churches for the great effort to help their family in thei hour of need.

Overcome with emotion at the love shown by Kenyans for her ailing husband, Rachael Munene, Ngaruiya's wife, sat quietly in the pews, with tears flowing down her face, mixed with occasional smiles for the hope given to her.

John Itibi, thanked well wishers on behalf of the family

Rachael Munene, in red, together with a friend, in prayer

"We are so thankful to the Kenyans for what they have done for us. We had no hope but now we feel loved and supported", Ngaruiya's wife told AjabuAfrica.com in a post event interview.

 Ngaruiya’s weakened immune condition would not allow him to attend the fundraising.

 His daughter, Irene Ngaruiya, sons , Anthony Ngaruiya and Martin Ngaruiya, summoned enough strength   to step forward for intercessory prayers for the family led by  Margaret Ngigi, the wife of Rev. Samuel Kimohu.

In the final closing remarks, Rev. Samuel Kimohu praised all those people who donated generously to the noble cause.  He thanked God for the miracles as witnessed by how much money was raised at such a short notice that the community was given.

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