Story by Ian Obadha
The arrival of a newborn is a time of unparalleled joy, but for Beatrice Choni, the birth of her son, James Talou, quickly turned into a journey of fear.
Born via C-section on September 19, 2025, little James was a tiny fighter, but his joy was short-lived. He was born with a neonatal complication—a hernia—that was already affecting his bowel and bladder function.
After delivery, my baby was taken straight into the nursery,” recalls choni . Though initially assured everything was fine, she noticed her son’s abnormal bowel habits when it was time to feed. Concerned, she immediately requested medical attention for Talou.
Talous’ early days were a blur of anxious moments in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Led by Dr. C.S. Otieno, the medical team worked tirelessly, but the road ahead seemed long. Choni found herself immersed in a world of medical jargon, sleepless nights, and constant fear.
She navigated this new reality with a mother’s unwavering love, researching every possible outcome of the required surgical intervention and holding onto hope. The NICU became their temporary home, transforming her world into a fear that something could go wrong at any moment.
“I cried profusely while sitting on the corridor, uncertain of the outcome of the procedure,” Choni remembers. Yet, in that environment of stress, she found an unexpected community. “The support and calming words from the nurses and fellow mothers stood out for me. Everyone checking up on me made me feel so supported in the New Born Unit,” she adds.
The surgical intervention was a success. Choni’s relief was immeasurable. She stayed by Talou’s side as he slowly recovered, watching his tiny body heal. Each day brought a new milestone and a renewed sense of hope. The NICU, once a place of fear, became a space of healing and transformation.
Today, as Talous’ health improves, Choni’s gratitude shines through. She often reflects on their journey, the challenges they overcame, and the unwavering care from the medical team that sustained them. She is a testament to the strength of a mother’s love and the resilience of the human spirit.
For Choni, the surgical camp was not just a medical intervention it was a lifeline, that saved her son’s life and gave her a future filled with joy.
The three days camp was organized by the Kenya Association of Paediatric Surgeons (KAPS) in collaborations with JOOTRH.
Born via C-section on September 19, 2025, little James was a tiny fighter, but his joy was short-lived. He was born with a neonatal complication—a hernia—that was already affecting his bowel and bladder function.
After delivery, my baby was taken straight into the nursery,” recalls choni . Though initially assured everything was fine, she noticed her son’s abnormal bowel habits when it was time to feed. Concerned, she immediately requested medical attention for Talou.
Talous’ early days were a blur of anxious moments in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Led by Dr. C.S. Otieno, the medical team worked tirelessly, but the road ahead seemed long. Choni found herself immersed in a world of medical jargon, sleepless nights, and constant fear.
She navigated this new reality with a mother’s unwavering love, researching every possible outcome of the required surgical intervention and holding onto hope. The NICU became their temporary home, transforming her world into a fear that something could go wrong at any moment.
“I cried profusely while sitting on the corridor, uncertain of the outcome of the procedure,” Choni remembers. Yet, in that environment of stress, she found an unexpected community. “The support and calming words from the nurses and fellow mothers stood out for me. Everyone checking up on me made me feel so supported in the New Born Unit,” she adds.
The surgical intervention was a success. Choni’s relief was immeasurable. She stayed by Talou’s side as he slowly recovered, watching his tiny body heal. Each day brought a new milestone and a renewed sense of hope. The NICU, once a place of fear, became a space of healing and transformation.
Today, as Talous’ health improves, Choni’s gratitude shines through. She often reflects on their journey, the challenges they overcame, and the unwavering care from the medical team that sustained them. She is a testament to the strength of a mother’s love and the resilience of the human spirit.
For Choni, the surgical camp was not just a medical intervention it was a lifeline, that saved her son’s life and gave her a future filled with joy.
The three days camp was organized by the Kenya Association of Paediatric Surgeons (KAPS) in collaborations with JOOTRH.
