Angella Okutoyi Seeks Public Support as Family Faces Mounting Medical Bills

The Kenyan tennis star has made a public plea for financial help as her aunt battles a serious illness and faces mounting medical bills.

Kenya's history-making tennis star, Angella Okutoyi, has made a public, heartfelt appeal for financial assistance to help her aunt, Cynthia Okutoyi, who is currently hospitalised with a severe and chronic illness.

The champion is now channelling the fight on the court into securing life-saving medical care for the woman who has been a bedrock of support for her career.

Cynthia Okutoyi is admitted at Radiant Hospital in Pangani, Nairobi. Her health crisis began with an initial diagnosis of pneumonia, but subsequent and more comprehensive testing revealed the devastating reality that she is battling Myasthenia Gravis (MG).

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This is a serious and long-term autoimmune disease that causes extreme weakness in the voluntary muscles, often affecting breathing and swallowing. This chronic neuromuscular disorder makes even simple actions a daily battle for Cynthia.

Angella Okutoyi Seeks Financial Help

Angella Okutoyi, who is currently studying and playing tennis at Auburn University in the United States, emphasised the profound and inspirational role her aunt plays in her life.

Cynthia has been her greatest cheerleader, a consistent source of motivation despite facing her own immense health challenges.

Cynthia has struggled with Myasthenia Gravis since March 2022 and has been on continuous, demanding medication.

Even as her health deteriorated significantly in recent weeks, necessitating her hospital admission, her commitment to Angella Okutoyi’s dreams never wavered.

“Hata akiwa na maumivu aliniita kunitaka nimsihi nidumu kwa mashindano ya Billie Jean King Cup mwezi Juni 2024 na mashindano ya W25 Nairobi yaliyofanyika mwaka jana,” Angella Okutoyi told Taifa Leo.

"Even when she was in pain, she called me, asking me to hold on for the Billie Jean King Cup tournament in June 2024 and the W25 Nairobi tournament that took place last year."

Angella Okutoyi noted the incredible strength her aunt displays daily as she fights the disease, clinging to the hope of recovery.

“Amefurahi anaponiita. Anaendelea kupigania maradhi haya, akiwa na matumaini kuwa atatoka hospitalini siku moja,” she added.

"She is happy when she calls me. She continues to fight this illness, hoping that she will leave the hospital one day."

The illness has imposed an overwhelming financial and emotional burden on the family. As of early this week, the outstanding hospital bill stood at a staggering Sh450,000.

This sum is critically needed to be cleared before Cynthia can be safely transferred to a facility that can offer the essential specialised treatment required for Myasthenia Gravis management.

Angella Okutoyi confirmed that the family is bracing for even higher expenses beyond the immediate hospital stay.

“Anahitaji msaada zaidi kwa ajili ya matibabu ya ziada mara atakapotoka Radiant,” Angella Okutoyi said.

"She needs more help for extra treatment once she leaves Radiant."

The situation is particularly heartbreaking for Angella Okutoyi’s grandmother, Mary Omukuyi. She previously suffered a similar tragedy, having lost another daughter to a parallel illness in 2023.

This history compounds the family's stress and deepens their anxiety over the current mounting medical costs, making their need for external support urgent.

Tough Balance Between Education and Managing Health Crisis

Angella Okutoyi also admitted the difficulty of managing this crisis while thousands of miles away pursuing her education and career.

“Ninachojua sana kumtazamia nyanya yangu upande wake kulipa msahikiki zaidi hii,” she revealed.

"I mainly know how to look after my grandmother on her part to pay for this greatly."

She continued with a plea to the public: “Sina uwezo wa kufanya mengi pekee yangu, lakini naomba watu wenye nia njema wamsaidie.”

"I don't have the ability to do much by myself, but I ask well-wishers to help her."

Angella Okutoyi’s training advisor, Francis Mwangi, fully corroborated the tennis star’s appeal, underscoring that the family is in desperate need of immediate financial assistance to sustain Cynthia’s critical medical care.

Angella Okutoyi: How You Can Contribute

The Okutoyi family is appealing to well-wishers across the globe for urgent financial support and prayers to help cover these life-saving medical costs.

Donation Channels:

Safaricom Paybill: 1310566993

Account Name: Angella Okutoyi Omukuyi

Airtel Money: 0707 183 329