Tag: Heart Surgery

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.

May 19, 2019 a day after surgery, Joseph is recovering nicely.

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 reunited with his family on May 30, 2019

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!!!!

Joseph discharged and going home today, Friday, June 14, 2019

Good job ANPA and Bridge of life for saving this remarkable boy’s life. Well done.
June 14, 2019
OUR TRIP FOR HEART SURGERY
Omosede Global Foundation took a total of five children for free heart surgery at the National Hospital in Abuja. Four children left with us from Edo State on Sunday, May 26, 2019, Clinton, Ifesinachi, Benedict, Destiny. Emmanuel who lives in Oyo State left a day ahead of us for Abuja on May 25, 2019.

Planning started in February 2019, broadcasts and screening of children started in March 2019, the final list for the children was sent to the National Hospital on April 30, 2019 and preparations for travel started in the first week of May 2019.

Preparing to leave Benin City, Edo State

The children and their parents/guardian

The team left Benin City on Big Joe transport company and was blessed with a great driver who took into consideration the health of our children. We arrived Abuja and were taken to the Supreme Hotel Ltd. The owner gave us a 50% discount for our hotel rooms and also made a donation of #50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) to the foundation to support the mission. Each family had a room to themselves.

On the morning of Monday, May 27, 2019 the families were fed breakfast and transported to the National Hospital for screening. All the children were registered with the hospital and screened. These were the findings.

At the National Hospital on Monday, May 27, 2019 for screening

Destiny, 14 months old female

Grandma Destiny was her guardian for the trip because mum is nursing a new born. Destiny is healing naturally, the hole in her heart is closing as she grows and there is no need for surgery. Destiny returned home with grandma on Tuesday, May 28, 2019.

Clinton, 9 year old male

Ifesinachi, 11 year old female

Clinton and Ifesinachi were referred for a CT Angiography (coronary) on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 for further and more detailed investigation of the heart.

Clinton’s father was present throughout his care and Ifesinachi’s mother was present throughout her care.

The Children had to have a kidney analysis done to determine if they were able to tolerate the process. Both came back good and were taken for their CT Angiography.

While waiting for our turn at the laboratory. Benedict’s dad followed us for support.

Ifesinachi waiting to undergo her CT Angiography

Clinton during his CT angiography

CT Angiography

Ifesinachi after her CT Angiography

The results were picked up on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 showed that both Clinton and Ifesinachi were not operable and not eligible for heart surgery.

Clinton’s dad had done everything to get help for his son sooner. He had sold everything he had including his work tools to raise the money for his son’s surgery. Still not enough he tried to get help by writing letters to elected officials and government for assistance, but none responded. The CT Angiography shows that over time the heart had become enlarged with other complications which makes it impossible to have surgery now.

Having further discussions with Ifesinachi’s mother, Omosede Global Foundation found that since it was discovered that Ifesinachi had heart problems at 4 months, her parents never took her back to the hospital for treatment. Ifesinachi had never been on any medication to date and she was now eleven years old. Her parents said they resulted to prayers as advised until their pastor took his son for surgery for a growth in his neck. Only then did they start looking for help for their child. She was sent our way by the hospital.

Benedict, 3 years old, male was admitted on Thursday, May 30, 2019 for surgery.

On Thursday, May 30, 2019 Benedict was admitted into the National Hospital, Abuja. Both parents were present with the child. All blood tests, x-rays and preparation where done. On Friday, May 31, 2019, number one for surgery the surgeon came down to see Benedict to do one last check before surgery. Initial check showed that he had some scattered sounds prone to children with heart problems. She requested the X-ray and found Benedict had an infection, which needed to be treated prior to surgery. Benedict is rescheduled for surgery and on the priority list for September 2019 and will be among the first 3 children operated on. Benedict was placed on Antibiotics and discharged at about 8 pm. He returned to the hotel.

Emmanuel, 1 year old male, was admitted on Thursday, May 30, 2019 for surgery

Emmanuel was also admitted into the National Hospital on Thursday, May 30, 2019. Both parents were present. On Friday, May 31, 2019, number two on the list, the surgeon moved to prepare Emmanuel for surgery. Further review of his blood test should he had an additional problem which required special kitting by the team of surgeons. This was erroneously omitted from his referral. Emmanuel is rescheduled for heart surgery and on the priority list for September 2019. Emmanuel was discharged in the evening at about 8 pm and returned to the hotel.

No surgeries were done at the National hospital from Friday to Sunday when the surgeons returned back home.

The Omosede Global Foundation had dinner with the team to review our experience. We stayed back on Saturday to rest, it had been a tedious week for all of us and returned back to Benin with the families on Sunday, June 2, 2019.

Omosede Global Foundation paid for all expenses with money donated to the Foundation. Transportation, accommodation, feeding and all hospital expenses not covered by the surgery itself. The parents were also given stipends.

We will have 3 new children with heart problems to join us on our trip back to Abuja for heart surgery in September 2019. Screening will begin the first week of July 2019.

The Omosede Global Foundation team included Omololu Ojehomon and Mr. Kingsley Ohens who assisted her throughout the process and prior.

Mr. Kingsley Ohens with Emmanuel

Dr. Patrick Uwubanmwen and Omololu Ojehomon

Our appreciation goes out to our family, friends and many others we do not know, all who wish to remain anonymous, who believed in us and donated to make this possible. May God continue to bless and replenish you infinitely.

We are totally grateful to The Mercy Igbe-Arase (née Ifidon) Foundation who helped us house our donations and disbursed on a timely manner.

To the Supreme Hotel Ltd. Who took care of us and showed us hospitality.

To 70s Grill Caterers who provided us with breakfast for our trip to Abuja.

To Big Joe transports that made sure all our requirements to transport our children with heart problems were met and for providing us with a great driver who made sure we got to our destination safely.

To Bros Monday our taxi driver in Abuja who stuck with us and made himself available at all times and on more than one occasion in the middle of the night when I had to return back to the hospital. He wanted to see it all through to the end.

To God is Good Motors upon seeing our flyer we left the previous day when Omosede Global Foundation went to book seats for the team, gave us the rest of the bus for free. The manager said, “For Enhancing lives, May God bless you, it’s the least we can do.”

To all those who supported us with words of kindness and encouragement, we thank you.

Especially to the surgeons who come to Nigeria twice a year to donate their time and skills for free and the Spem Quia Filii Foundation for making it happen.

May God never forget any of you in your time of need.
June 14, 2019
It takes a Heart
In October 2017, a great Edo son from the Central District, Kingsley Ohens, put out a broadcast to raise funds for a 16 year old child, Bright Usiholo to get heart surgery in India. He needed heart surgery urgently to save his life, Bright’s father was a bike man (Okada) and could not afford it. Omololu Ojehomon got the broadcast and called Mr. Ohens if indeed this was true, he confirmed it with photos of the admitted child in the Irrua specialist hospital as well as reports with the permission of his father. She then re-broadcast it using several media, when another great Edo son from North district, who wishes to remain anonymous, contacted her of free heart surgery coming up in Abuja in September 2017 by the Spem Quia Filii Foundation.

Immediately, contact was made with Dr. Patrick Uwubanmwen initiator and founder of the foundation, who requested for Bright’s documents to determine if he qualified for surgery. At short notice Bright was added to the list and was prioritized as number 2 for surgery and National Hospital Abuja where the heart surgeries was to take place was notified.

On September 21, 2017, a team of three which included Omololu Ojehomon, Mr, Kingsley Ohens and Mr. Gbenga Ajiboye left Benin for Irrua Specialist Hospital to pick up Bright Usiholo and his father, Mr. Tony Usiholo and continued to Abuja. Our anonymous Edo son housed us for free at a hotel in Abuja for the first four days. With others like Benson Okoloise, Asiwaju Ehi Gideon Ijie, Prince Godsent and more calling out to the public to raise funds, made our travel easy. Mr. Felix Akhabue also provided accommodation for an extended period of time for free at Supreme Hotels Ltd, In Abuja.

Bright Usiholo and Mr. Kingsley Ohens at the Irrua Specialist hospital when picking him up.

At the National Hospital, Abuja, Bright was screened and the cardiology team ordered a CT angiography for him, which was done. On the September 27, 2017, the results were collected and submitted. After they reviewed the result of the scan these were their submission. Bright’s operation was planned for based on the ECO report sent from Irrua Specialist Hospital to them in UK. Bright cannot be operated on because the result from the CT angiography shows complications for which the team was unprepared for. It was clearly more than what the ECO report showed which we submitted prior to their arrival. The team is unwilling to risk Bright’s life by performing the operation without the tools to sustain him. Bright stands a 50% survival rate without the machine to aid pressure during the operation. The medications which he currently takes will sustain him in the meantime. The surgeons will take Bright’s report to their UK hospital to properly study and analyze it and get set for him early next year. If the surgery is to be done in the UK they will pay part of the medical and flight fare, while we will pay part.

Bright Usiholo during his CT Angiography

In June 2018, Omololu Ojehomon got a phone call from Dr. Patrick Uwubanmwen that a hospital in the UK had agreed at an almost 85% discount to do the heart surgery on Bright, it will take 24 hours only to get all Bright’s flight documents, but they were looking for a licensed family to house Bright post surgery for an extended period of time. In July 2018, the National Hospital, Abuja sent a text to Mr. Tony Usiholo to bring his son for a follow-up, he failed to do so. In August 2018 Bright Usiholo died after a crisis at the Irrua Specialist Hospital, in Edo State. May his soul Rest In Peace Amen.

Bright Usiholo and Omololu Ojehomon at the National hospital, Abuja

More determined now to get help for children in Edo State who suffered from heart disease and alarmed at the high percentage of children born with it. Omololu Ojehomon continued to work with Dr. Patrick Uwubanmwen until she was able to get slots for the children in Edo State.

It is one of the priorities of Omosede Global Foundation to help as many children get heart surgery in the state and country.

We are grateful to everyone who donated in one way or the other to save Bright’s life and May God bless all those who walked this journey with us.

Mr. Kingsley Ohens and Omololu Ojehomon at the National hospital, Abuja
June 4, 2019