Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kingsley Alumona
Published on 2024-04-06 06:00:19
The Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation (SEOF) recently facilitated life-saving open-heart surgeries for two brothers from Okeba, Delta State. Frank and Evans Aweto shared their touching story of how they benefited from SEOF’s adult heart medical mission, which was sponsored in partnership with the Vincent Obiama Ohaju Memorial (VOOM) Foundation.
The surgeries took place in May 2022 at the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital in Oraifite, Anambra State. This hospital specializes in cardiothoracic care and has successfully completed 69 groundbreaking open-heart surgeries within a span of two years. At the time of their surgeries, Frank was 33 years old, while Evans was 25 years old.
Frank, the elder brother, had been shouldering the responsibility of caring for his family after their father’s passing by working menial jobs. His heart disease was discovered during a routine medical check-up required for his enrollment at the Petroleum Institute in Warri, which revealed an enlarged heart. Frank endured silently for years until the intervention of SEOF’s medical mission.
Expressing gratitude, Frank thanked SEOF and the VOOM Foundation for the free open-heart surgeries that saved their lives. Evans, on the other hand, had a more severe cardiovascular disease. He had been misdiagnosed and dismissed by multiple healthcare providers, enduring a lifetime of debilitating symptoms. SEOF’s intervention was crucial in finally diagnosing and treating Evans’ condition.
SEOF’s Executive Director, Mrs. Chidimma Okoye, emphasized the significant healthcare challenges faced by many Nigerians due to limited access to medical care. She expressed joy for the transformed lives of Frank and Evans, who have been thriving well for almost two years after their surgeries. Okoye highlighted the impact of philanthropy in restoring hope and dignity to those in need, citing Frank’s dream of starting a family and Evans’ aspiration to serve as a naval officer as a testament to the transformative power of SEOF’s intervention.
The collaboration between SEOF, the VOOM Foundation, and the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital aims to save lives and improve healthcare accessibility for Nigeria’s underserved communities. Through this partnership, SEOF has conducted 69 open-heart surgeries, establishing itself as a beacon of hope in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
As they celebrate Frank and Evans’ journey to healing, Okoye reiterated the importance of their story as an inspiration to continue making a difference in the lives of others. The success of the Aweto brothers’ surgeries serves as a reminder of the profound impact of philanthropy in providing necessary healthcare services where they are most needed.
In conclusion, the Aweto brothers’ story showcases the transformative power of medical interventions facilitated by organizations like SEOF and the dedication to improving healthcare accessibility for all Nigerians.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
