Living Stories

Patients' stories from the FACES clinics collected by FACES staff

New Lease of Life
As Jackline Awino* walks into the clinic all the staff turn and stare in disbelief- their looks of surprise quickly turn into looks of pleasure. Jackline is no stranger to the FACES clinic. When Jackline first came to the Family AIDS Care and Education Services Clinic (FACES) six months ago, she was emaciated, needing help to walk, clearly ailing and struggling to breathe. Life had not been easy for Jackline, she had lost her husband to HIV and had been unable to fend for her needs because of her illness; forcing her to rely on relatives...
Continue...

A Family that Walks Together
As I settled in the sitting room waiting for the husband, Mr. Paul, my mind was somewhat unsettled. Monica, Paul’s wife, was sitting right in front of me. I was struck by her radiant beauty, but my in my mind’s eye I could see the Monica of yestermonths. Months ago when she first attended FACES clinic her cheeks were sunken and I remembered her struggling to supported her husband on her left shoulder plus Junior on her back as they came to HIV education. ...
Continue...

Miss It Miss Out!
Two women walk to the FACES reception. One looking in her late 50’s produces a referral from an HIV counseling and testing site. She looks a little tired and is leaning on the other woman for support. The other woman being leaned on surprises us by saying, "This is my daughter …"
Continue...

A Mother's Story
5 September 2005. A brown lady with a sorrowful face walks into the clinic room - on her back is a scrawny little baby girl. Her baby lets out a high-pitched cry that grips the attention of the receptionist. The 35 year old mother, Margaret can hardly make eye contact. The smiling receptionist at the clinic inquires how he can help; in low tones she says "...I am HIV positive and I was referred here…" she pauses and then looking at the floor says "I want my baby to be tested..."
Continue...

Hope Regained
“I was afraid that my children would be orphans. I did not know who would fend for the m” These are the words of Rachel* a soft-spoken middle aged lady who attends the FACES clinic in Kisumu. Rachel who hails from Ugenya (approx---km from the clinic) has come a long way from home to seek care. Rachel, a widow and mother of two boys says that her family had left her for dead until her sister came and took her to Kisumu...
Continue...