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Christabel Oluchi Nwaogu, a 3-year old girl that was born blind is in urgent need of a life-saving correction surgery for a hole-in-the-heart. Several years of effort by her parents to find lasting solution has ended in futility. A recent visit to Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, revealed that her suffering is as a result of the hole in her heart which predisposes her to several health challenges.
Christabel. Blind 3yr-old girl seeks N0.6m for heart surgery
Narrating his daughter’s ordeal, Mr. Marshall Nwaogu said that his dream of hearing her call him “Daddy” as never come to pass.
“It all started two months after she was born. We noticed that her body was flexible and she didn’t respond to movement of the hands. We took her to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, where we were told that she was too young to be operated and advised to present later.”
Nwaogu who hails from Ikwuano local government are of Abia State explained that when it was time for Chritabel to walk, talk or hear, she was unable to do so. She could only move slowly on her backside and is unable to tolerate solid food.
After two years, cataract surgery was carried out on her which enabled her to see with the aid of glasses. She was then referred to LUTH for another check up.
“At LUTH, they told us to do ear washing which cost N8,000. Later we were told to do breathing, heart and brain tests. It was the outcome of heart test that revealed Christabel has a hole in her heart. They recommend surgery and advised us to get it done before 2016.”
In a statement signed by Consultant Paediatric Cardiolgist, LUTH, IdiArarba, Dr. E. N Ekure, Christabel suffered delayed development milestones, bilateral cataracts and cardiac murmur. She however recommends anti-failure medication and Patent Ductus Arterosus Closure.
Nwaogu who pleaded to Nigerians for assistance said the cost of the procedure totals N600, 000; N500,000 for the heart surgery, N20,000 for brain checkup, N30,000 for ear testing and N50,000 for medication.
“They said the hole in her heart is what prevents the normal flow of blood in her body and responsible for her predicament and that once they close the hole, everything will be in order,” he noted.
If you are touched by Christabel’s plight, kindly send your donation to Marshall Nwaogu, GT Bank: 0015589801 or contact 08038077515 for further details.
