The Eagle Gate

Tag: Medical Mission 2019

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

    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.

  • OUR TRIP FOR HEART SURGERY

    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.

  • ON THE ROAD TO GOOD HEALTH

    ON THE ROAD TO GOOD HEALTH

    The number of Nigerians with wounds ranging from diabetic sores, legs ulcers, injuries of various kinds, burns, etc. without the right kind of treatment or affordable healthcare is alarming. Many patients have resulted to self care and in many cases the wound gets worse and suffer with for many years. As a result, for superstitious reasons, these individuals are tagged witches or wizards or assumed to have committed some wickedness for which they are being punished, but that is not true. The lack of good medical care, finances, coupled with emotional instability keep these wounds festering.  Health is holistic, it involves the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing of any individual, lacking in any one of these can result in the gradual breakdown of an individual,

    Four years ago, in November 2015, the relationship between Charity Wound Care, Inc. USA and Omosede Global Foundation began with one patient in Benin. 

    In December 2014, on her usual walks in the morning around her community, Omololu Ojehomon stopped at a shop on Iwegie Street to purchase some items, when she noticed the shopkeeper sitting towards the back. Uncomfortable for some reason she raised her long skirt up and Omololu observed a leg ulcer that had gone past her ankle. It had eaten up most of the skin in that area and could see part of her bone. Concerned she asked the shopkeeper if she could see it. She asked the shopkeeper if she was diabetic, the answer was no, that she had been bitten by a spider, and it’s poison kept eating away at her flesh. The shopkeeper had gone to several hospitals and herbalists, but for three years none were able to help her. Omololu then asked the shopkeeper if it was okay for her to interfere, she agreed and Omololu requested for photographs of her leg. She sent the photos to friends in the medical profession in the USA for help, but none got back to her. Almost one year later, in November 2015 while browsing Facebook, Omololu saw photos of wound care being given at a hospital in Lagos by Mrs. Joyce Aghedo, Wound Care Specialist and childhood friend, and contacted her asking if she will be willing to come to Benin to see the shopkeeper, she agreed. At Omololu’s home, the shopkeeper was treated, trained on how to care for the wound, counseled, oriented on what foods to eat that will facilitate healing and given free medication and supplies. Expenses were paid for by Omololu. Mrs. Joyce Aghedo said she will return to Nigeria in March 2019 and promised to come to Benin for a follow-up, which she did. When the shopkeeper’s leg was unwrapped, the leg had healed and granulated 94% with only a small portion red in color showing active healing.Since that time, Mrs. Joyce Aghedo comes to Edo State at least once a year on a Wound Care Mission helping hundreds on the road to good health.

    Omololu and Joyce

    In March 2019, Mrs. Aghedo contacted Omololu that she wanted to collaborate with her on a One day FREE Wound Care Mission in any hospital of her choice in May 2019. Excited about the news Omololu immediately contacted Dr Atoe kenneth, Consultant Chemical Pathologist and Metabolic Physician for assistance on a location that will best meet the needs of the public. In the final analysis the Police Cottage Hospital was the best option. Both proceeded to the Hospital to meet with CSP Dr. Margaret N. Oyakhire to discuss the matter. The Nigeria Police Medical Services agreed and immediately, with full cooperation began collaboration with Omosede Global Foundation to make it happen. Working closely with SP Dr Oluwatosin Adefila on the details of the Mission, everything was set for Wednesday, May 22, 2019 the day the Mission was scheduled.

    Dr. Kenneth Atoe, Consultant Chemical Pathologist
    and Metabolic Physician
    Wound Care Specialist with Patient
    Vehicle Accident patient with injuries since 2007
    Before and After Photo

    Nothing could have prepared us for our first patient, Jassa, age 32. He has lived with his injury since 2007 from a vehicle accident with little or no help. When his family exhausted their funds they turned to the church for help. Thanks to St. Vincent de Paul Church who referred him to us, after they received our flyer. We got to him on time, the leg can be saved.

    We have also secured for him and other patients who came for treatment follow-up care at the Police Cottage Hospital in Benin City until he heals for #1,000.00 (One Thousand Naira) per month. Dr Imuwahen Nehikhare, is the physician handling the follow-up care of the patients from the wound care mission.

    Dr. Imuwahen Nehikhare
    Nigeria Police Medical Services

    He was also given medication for free and Omosede Global paid for his antibiotics which was purchased from the pharmacy. 

    His aged father and himself were also counseled by both Charity Wound Care, Inc. USA  on the medical aspects of his road to recovery and Omosede Global Foundation on the emotional aspects.

    He will also be provided with a physical therapist when his leg heals 25% to help relieve the contraction and for mobility. Omosede Global Foundation will monitor and make provision for this service.

    He needs your prayers to heal.

    The nurses of the Nigeria Police Medical Services were trained on best practices in providing Wound Care, Supplies and medications were donated to the Police Cottage Hospital by Charity Wound Care, Inc. USA for the follow-up care for the patients. Wounds treated by the wound care specialist varied from vehicle accidents, leg ulcers, abscess, dog bite, and other injuries.

    Setting up for wound care
    Medications and Supplies for wound care
    Setting Up for wound care
    Medication and Supplies for wound care

    The Police Cottage Hospital is open to the public and is affordable. It is located at Plot 12, Dennis Osadebey Avenue, off Ikpokpan Road, GRA, Benin City.

    Police Cottage Hospital

    The facility provides the following services. Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Maternity, Optometry (Eye Clinic), in/out-patient Pharmacy, Patient Admission with a 15 bed capacity, Family Planning, Immunization, Laboratory, Scanning, Heart-to-Heart talks, HIV Testing and Counseling, and Screening.

    The team of volunteers

    Our gratitude to Charity Wound Care, Inc. USA, Omosede Global Foundation and the Nigeria Police Medical Services and all the volunteers for providing this service to the public. A big thank you goes out to Mrs. Joy Ozigbo-Ideh of 70’s Grill for providing a healthy and delicious lunch to the team of volunteers.

  • A Successful Outing – ANPA (Photos)

    A Successful Outing – ANPA (Photos)

    When Flyers first went out on  free 2019 MEDICAL, DENTAL, OPHTHALMOLOGY AND SURGICAL MISSION FOR EVERYONE by the Association of Nigerian Physicians in America (ANPA) it seemed too good to be true. With the many negatives going on in Nigeria recently, caring for the people becomes utmost on the burner. 

    ANPA was that hope this April, in time for the Easter. The Medical Mission was from April 5 to 10, 2019 fro 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. May God bless their effort, strengthen and replenish them.

    President of ANPA, Dr Charmaine Emelife giving her opening speech at the opening ceremony on Friday, April 5, 2019
    • Dr. Uyi Igbinadolor with the President of ANPA
    The Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole, and the Permanent Secretary at the opening ceremony of the ANPA/NAPPSA Medical outreach in Jiwa, Abuja. ANPA Medical Mission is on. Please if you’re in Abuja, endeavor to join us in making Nigeria a Healthier place.


    ANPA Medical Mission Day 3. So much to do.

    Interesting cases at the 2019 ANPA Dental Mission – Kubwa, Abuja.

    Minor Oral Surgery being performed at Kubwa General Hospital, Abuja.