This baby needs our help, he has but a few weeks to live, unless…

When Chiemezie was born on April 9, 2013 at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba, his parents, Jude and Ifeoma Anakwe, were elated. Soon after his discharge, the couple headed home, floating in the euphoric wave that greeted the arrival of the new baby. 

They gathered friends and family members and named their baby Chiemezie (God has done it right) and formally welcomed him as the third product of their relationship.

Two weeks after, his mother took him back to the hospital for procedural, postnatal checks. After a curious session with the baby, doctors on duty discovered that he was breathing abnormally. They suspected there were some medical challenges storming inside his system like volcanic lava which might erupt if not dealt with early. So they told his parents and insisted that a series of tests must be carried out to enable them reach critical conclusions. Instantly, the couple hit the road running

Chiemizie has a hole in his heart.

Confirming the infant’s ordeal, LUTH issued the Anakwes with an introductory letter to enable them get assistance either from private individuals or hospitals anywhere around the world. It was titled: “Summary of Medical Report on Anakwe Chiemezie (Male/10 weeks.)”

“Chiemezie requires further cardio vascular evaluation and possible open heart surgery to correct his heart abnormality in order to forestall irreversible and life-threatening complications from developing. Unfortunately, open heart surgery for children is currently not available in our hospital.” The letter requests for “any assistance that will facilitate surgical intervention at a centre with facility for cardiac surgery,” noting that LUTH would be handy to provide “further clarification or information that is required on Chiemezie.”    
     
When the little baby was 12 weeks, the LUTH experts, in a move to save him, had contacted paediatric surgeons in India who graciously accepted to carry out the surgery as long as the Anakwes could come over as quickly as possible. So now, the couple needs a minimum of N4 million to undertake the trip and save the boy.  

In an e-mail sent to Nigeria and made available to Daily Sun, Dr Robert Coelho, Director and Chief Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon in the undisclosed Indian hospital said: “I am happy to accept the patient (Chiemezie) for further evaluation and open heart surgery.”

He strongly suggested that “surgery for this child is advised at the earliest, before five to six months of age,” asserting that the infant would spend two weeks in the hospital before returning to Nigeria happy and healthy.  

At the moment, little Chiemezie urgently needs N4 million to undergo surgery in India. For him to live, the operation, according to an Indian paediatric cardiac surgeon, must be done urgently before he clocks six months. Failure to do that, he will develop life-threatening complications that would narrow down his chances of staying alive. But judging by the occasional ray of hope that flashes across his face, the infant is desirous of living. He wants as many as are moved by his condition to give him life.

The Anakwes can be reached on 08033080134 or 08028409049. Those willing to help the family may also pay to Mr. & Mrs. Jude Mary Anakwe’s account at Diamond Bank. The account number is 0006991895.

Culled from the sunnewsonline

Time for us to show we really care. Nothing is too little please. The difference between 'YOUR and OUR' is Y. Y stands for YOU. It could be you. Please help.