My Biggest Health Challenge and How It Affected My Life

It all started like malaria fever, I felt cold and body weakness. But after a few days, I developed a persistent cough. At first, it was soft and manageable. Then it grew worse, until every coughing brought out blood. I had never experienced anything like that before. I was afraid. The first thought that came to my mind was death.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have the money to go for a proper medical check-up. I decided to visit a local chemist who gave me some tablets. But instead of feeling better after taking the drugs, my condition worsened, so I stopped completely. People around told me it was tuberculosis, but I doubted. I kept hope alive even though fear haunted me.

This all happened in 2023, the very year I co-founded a tech company with my brother Abel. We had just launched a robotics company that focused on building smart home devices and teaching robotics in schools. It was an exciting time. Parents were eager, students were excited and our training sessions were full. I handled the marketing and business side while Abel who was a gifted technician, brought the products to life. I also taught digital marketing under our brand. We were so serious in building this dream. Then illness came.

It turned out to be bronchiectasis, a chronic condition that damages the airways and causes them to widen and fill with mucus. No treatment seemed to work. I was constantly weak, coughing up blood, and unable to perform even the simplest tasks. I couldn’t go to work anymore. I watched, helplessly as my new company began to crumble. Abel was still a student and so couldn’t carry the load alone. He had academic responsibilities and couldn’t run around like I did.

Eventually, we had to make the painful decision to clear our staff and stop all teaching activities. We used our remaining money for my treatment, believing that without life, all is gone. The production wing of our company was dormant, and the school training sessions ended because we couldn’t afford transportation costs for our staff or the robotics kits used in class.

We determined to face the illness squarely. I returned to the hospital for proper treatment. Drugs were administered and I followed the prescriptions. My brother brought a pastor to pray for me. For one week, he came every day. By the third day, the blood stopped. By the seventh day, I was completely healed. I could walk again, eat, and even laugh. It was nothing but a miracle, God truly came through.

But the most painful part is that our company is still struggling to regain its stamina. Yet, I believe that just as I regained my health, our company will rise again. I’m hopeful. This health challenge almost took my life, but it taught me the value of faith, resilience, and life itself.

Thanks for reading.
Stay inspired, stay true.
Your girl @rita