Jimmy Irungu, the 30-year-old tree-hugging pastor from Murang’a town, now wants the government to declare cancer a national crisis.
Irungu, who started an 80-hour bid to hug a tree to create awareness on cancer on Sunday and stopped on Thursday morning after collapsing, said it’s time the government, together with stakeholders, treated the disease with the seriousness it deserves.
Irungu, who had been put on a 24-hour observation by medics at Murang’a County Referral Hospital after they noticed that some of his organs had started experiencing complications, was later discharged and addressed residents in Murang’a town near the site where he hugged a tree.
Dr James Kahura, a consultant physician, had earlier cautioned that the youth had experienced severe exhaustion and dehydration, and called on Kenyans to take extreme care while undertaking such activities and ensure they prepare sufficiently and undertake medical check-ups prior.
But Irungu defiantly left the hospital in the company of prominent social media personality Karangu Muraya who drove him to the town where he received a heroic welcome by residents.
He said his challenge was not aimed at breaking any record or getting fame but raising awareness on a disease that has afflicted many Kenyans.
“Those who say I was defeated because I didn’t hit my 80-hour target should know that it was not about breaking a record but sending a message.”
On his collapse, Irungu said his body gave up just 20 minutes before the targeted time.
Irungu proceeded to launch Jimmy Irungu Foundation that he said will support those suffering from cancer and help sensitise people in the grassroots.
“I have lost an uncle and a friend. Nationally, we have seen many people, including prominent personalities, struggle with the disease,” he said.
The widespread prevalence of the disease, he said, prompted him to take action, saying he could no longer just sit back and watch.
Irungu said cancer is no longer a personal issue but a national crisis and that it should be acknowledged as such.
This, he said, would ensure sufficient attention and resources are channelled towards it, with screening made accessible to all Kenyans.
He cited the example of HIV/Aids that was declared a national disaster in the country in 1999 when the government formally recognised the severe and widespread nature of the epidemic within its borders and prioritised a national response that enabled the disease to be controlled.
He urged the government to subsidise cancer treatment to make it accessible to all saying currently, patients from poor households can’t access it due to the high costs.
Irungu announced that his foundation will start by supporting a local businesswoman and a personal friend who had been diagnosed with liver cancer and had just started treatment.
“I started experiencing health issues in May last year until November when doctors confirmed I had liver cancer,” the woman said.
She said her first treatment involved getting medication for a month that cost Sh124,000 and wondered whether her Social Health Authority cover will sustain the treatment.
“Treatment is very expensive. I am unable to do the business activities that sustain my family and I, and I am currently depending on friends,” she said.
Muraya who is widely known for his efforts in medical fundraising, led the gathering to fundraise for her and pledged to help Irungu kick-start his foundation.
by ALICE WAITHERA
