Esther Oluwanifemi Oladapo, 13, is seriously in need of N15 million to treat a severe form of cerebral palsy, which has incapacitated her since she was seven months old.
Though born hale and hearty, her father, Femi Oladapo, said Esther was diagnosed with Lumbar meningitis, recurrent seizures, and cerebral palsy at seven months, which is currently eating her up.
Narrating their ordeal to The Guardian, Oladapo said Esther during her developmental stage had malaria, which she was treated, but later on, she had series of convulsion, and, she ended up in coma, and since then, they have been from one hospital to another.
He added that in between hospital shuttles, they were advised to take Esther to Messy Street Children Hospital (MSCH) Lagos, where she was able to come out from coma, but rather than improve, what they discovered was not encouraging, as they noticed symptoms of paralysis and total stiffness of the body.
“We have spent all our fortune on her treatment, but she is yet to stand, walk and talk, as she constantly falls into strong agonizing seizures, which so painful and pathetic. In a nutshell, we have expended all what we have including landed property for her to be stable and alive.
“She is 13 years old now, and we are calling on public-spirited Nigerians and organisations to help our daughter so she can undergo stem cell treatment and lead a normal life,” Oladapo said.
In an email dated November 1, 2018, the International Patient Coordinator, Stem Cell Institute, Panama City, Panama, Karen Dickinson, contacted the couple stating that the treatment would last five days.
“Our physicians have reviewed your child’s application and they have determined that he/she, may be a candidate for Cerebral Palsy treatment at the Stem Cell Institute in Panama City, Panama.
“The Physicians’ Treatment Protocol Recommendation is 40 million expanded allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (intravenous administration) and treatment length is five days. Pricing is $15,825 valid 90 days from receipt of this email,” the mail read.
Oladapo further explained that Esther’s treatment would take about four times. Though they have been able to make a down payment / non-refundable deposit of $800, but a balance of $16,825 (for treatment) and $13,460 for about three times follow up treatment is needed.
Following visa approval by the US Embassy, and deadline given by the hospital to bring Esther down for treatment fast closing expiring, Oladapo said that amount covers medical expenses, flight fares, and accommodation for Esther, two adult caregivers — he and Esther’s mother — to Panama, where the treatment is expected to take place.
“Therefore, we kindly need the help of everyone for Esther to attain good health through stem cell treatment at the Stem Cell Institute in Panama.”
For assistance, the Oladapo can be reached on +2348060070600. Account details are: ESTHER OLUWANIFEMI OLADAPO, 0163465525, GTB
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