Mary Awinja, who is 70 years old, was born in 1951 in Kimilili, Bungoma County. She grew up in a large family, one of 12 children. Because her father could not afford school fees, she and her sisters were unable to attend school. Instead of receiving a formal education, Mary spent her childhood and youth dedicated to domestic duties and earning a living. She was constantly engaged in farming, assisting her mother, and sometimes trading, such as buying and selling bananas and groundnuts. She was married in the Shitungu area of Kakamega County. She was the third of five co-wives in her new home. She lived with her husband and was blessed with one child, who later had five children (four of whom are surviving). Life in her marriage was marked by periods of great struggle and hardship. A profound tragedy struck Mary when her only son passed away. Following his death, her daughter-in-law sold the family land and departed, leaving Mary alone with part of the homestead. Now elderly and unable to farm or engage in productive work, she has no source of income or support. Before she found assistance, she faced immense difficulties securing food and basic necessities, constantly worrying about who would help her survive. She is currently primarily looked after by her co-wife's children, but life remains a daily struggle due to her advanced age, illness, and lack of resources. Her lifeline came through a determined friend. After hearing Mary's plight, the friend took the initiative to connect her with the Mama Ibado Charity (MIC).Since connecting with Mama Ibado, Mary's life has transformed from one of constant hunger and struggle to one of stability. She expresses deep happiness knowing that she can now eat and drink. The charity provides essential food items on a regular basis, including four packets of maize flour for ugali, sugar, tea leaves, and salt. Apart from food, Mary has benefited from the charity’s focus on the well-being of seniors, particularly their health support. She has access to medical check-ups, which she is encouraged to attend every Thursday for monitoring. Through the program, she was diagnosed with two primary health conditions: arthritis and hypertension (high blood pressure). The charity has been crucial in providing the opportunity for diagnosis and sustained health attention. Mary is immensely grateful to both God and the Mama Ibado Foundation. "I feel great joy because I am still eating," she states. "I feel very happy. I feel like I am still in this world, like I have someone helping me." She thanks the foundation for giving her life and care, emphasizing that without such help, a person cannot remain healthy. She prays for blessings and growth upon the foundation for their kindness. Mary Awinja is a 70-year-old widow who has exhausted her support system. She is physically unable to work, has no personal farm, and was left abandoned in a homestead after her only child passed away and her daughter-in-law sold the land. She suffers from chronic health issues, including arthritis and hypertension, which require consistent management. Her reliance on the Mama Ibado Charity for food and medical access highlights her extreme vulnerability and absolute need for sustained help to live out her remaining years with dignity and security.
