Joseph gets open heart surgery in Nigeria – ANPA & Bridge of Life

Joseph and his mother came everyday to the FREE 2019 MEDICAL, DENTAL, OPHTHALMOLOGY AND SURGICAL MISSION FOR EVERYONE by the Association of Nigerian Physicians in America (ANPA) which held from April 5 to April 10, 2019. They had no idea what the mission was about or how it could help them. This was when Katherine Chandler met Joseph and decided to take up his case.

Katie recently met a 15-year-old boy named Joseph during a medical mission in Abuja, Nigeria with Bridge of Life in partnership with ANPA.  Joseph and his mother, Rosemary, were first in line every morning to receive medical care.  Unfortunately, our team was not able to treat Joseph.  He suffers from a congenital heart condition called tetralogy of Fallot that requires corrective surgery.  This condition causes oxygen-poor blood to flow out of his heart to the rest of his body, leaving him fatigued and out of breath. Yet, Joseph and Rosemary still returned to the clinic every single day and waited from morning until evening with the hope that he might receive treatment.   

Katie thought of Joseph often since returning from Nigeria in mid-April.  He’s 15 going on 16, but wouldn’t pass for over 10 years old.  He was quiet, but determined.  He was strong, but scared.  He was smart, but recently had to quit school because he is too weak to attend.  He graciously accepted food from our team, but sensibly tucked it away to later share with his four siblings.  His eyes looked wise and his face mature, but he seemed young and innocent as he climbed on to his mother’s back each evening for her to carry him home.   

Surgery is the only effective treatment for Joseph.  In fact, less than a quarter of children with tetralogy of Fallot that are not treated surgically live past the age of 10.   Joseph has fought his way to get this far, but his symptoms are quickly worsening and we need to move quickly for Joseph to survive.  ONE surgery would allow him to live a relatively normal life.   

The sad reality of Joseph’s situation is that the single obstacle that prevents him from receiving lifesaving surgery is money.  We have identified a reputable surgeon in Nigeria that can perform the operation, but we can’t move forward without the necessary funds.  $13,000 will cover travel, preoperative investigations, surgery, hospital stay, medications and follow-up.

Please open your hearts to Joseph, and let’s save his heart!  Thank you in advance for any contribution you can offer! Money was raised for Joseph through Go Fund me.

Our God, the Great Physician has done it again as He answered our collective Prayers for Master Ikechukwu Joseph’s successful surgery yesterday at the Tristate and Associate Cardiovascular hospital, Shagamu, Ogun State. The surgery was done by our own Dr. Michael Sanusi and his team. Dr. Sanusi is a Cardio thoracic Surgeon and happened to be a foundation member of ANPA. To God be the Glory. As you can see in the pictures above is Joseph, propped up with  Dr. Sanusi and his team of Doctors and Nurses.

Joseph, his mother and father were united last week in the hospital in Abuja. Katie had the opportunity to speak with them a couple days ago. Total bliss! Joseph said he is doing great and feels very well. His mom and dad asked her to thank all the beautiful people that gave Joseph another chance at life. They said we all have a home in Nigeria!

With the funds raised, we were able to complete Joseph’s operation, cover the travel costs between Lagos and Abuja, cover the hospital stay for Joseph’s recovery in Abuja and provide a small amount of money to the family. Rosemary, Joseph’s mom, said she is going to use these funds to buy some products to start a small kiosk.

Joseph will have ongoing medical expenses. We would also like to contribute to his education. Please continue to spread the word and perhaps we can help give Joseph an even brighter future!

Joseph has a stronger heart because of all of you. I hope this journey with Joseph and his family has impacted all of your hearts as well! I know mine is overflowing when I think about this young man and his family… and about all of you. The love and kindness from this group knows no boundaries or borders. Just think, if we all continue to love like this, how AMAZING this world could be!
Keep it going!!!!

Good job ANPA and Bridge of life for saving this remarkable boy’s life. Well done.