Former NRG Radio presenter Natalie Githinji recently shared her fear of dying from endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, as defined by the World Health Organization.
In an interview with Homeboyz Radio presenters Lotan and Tonio, Natalie grew emotional while opening up about her anxieties.
“Do you ever get scared?” asked Lotan.
“That I will die? Yes, I am,” Natalie responded.
When asked if she was affected by the death of Jahmby Koikai, who also battled endometriosis, Natalie admitted, “I was scared, and I was at work. I feel that is where I will end up, which scares me. That’s why I live my life fully. If there is no cure, then yes, eventually I will die.”
Her advice to those living with or supporting someone with endometriosis was heartfelt: “If you are dating someone with endometriosis, be patient with them. We don’t always get the support we need. I get the biggest support from my mum and my friends. Having a good circle is important. Eventually, she may heal. If you are a woman battling endometriosis, just have fun, be safe, and be strong. It’s OK to feel like you have reached the end.”
Diagnosed with endometriosis in 2016, Natalie wishes she had known about the condition earlier, as she endured significant pain before receiving a diagnosis.
Following the passing of Jahmby Koikai, Natalie penned an open letter to the government, urging for action:
“Dear Gov’t, I’ll appreciate if I’m given a chance to just sit with the President of Kenya Hon. William Samoei Ruto, and the Deputy President of Kenya Hon. Rigathi Gachagua, and just have a talk on how women suffering from this monster can be helped to manage living with endometriosis. I also appreciate the presence of the First Lady Rachel Ruto and Her Excellency Pastor Dr. Dorcas Rigathi, as they are women and would understand all about periods and what we go through…. Please tag them as many times as you can and write ‘please give her a chance.’ I’ll appreciate your support fam… let’s do this together.”
by PENINAH NJOKI