
Victor Ogbonna



Victor Ogbonna
Victor
Ogbonna, age 15, was on his way to a doctor’s appointment at the University of
Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu, Nigeria in May 2108. He was carrying his scans to be delivered to
his neurologist as he is one of thousands of indigent children in charge of his
own healthcare. He was diagnosed with
Glioblastoma Multiforme, brain cancer and needed surgery following by radiation
therapy.
Economics
was his biggest hurdle to receiving treatment.
He struggled managing the cost of surgery and transporting himself to
treatment as he lived hours from the hospital. To raise the money for his
surgery, Victor entered a local educational contest and was awarded several
hundred dollars by a wealthy man in his village. Victor opted to use his winnings toward his
surgery as it was is only chance for treatment.
After he finally had his first surgery, he was stuck in the hospital for
almost five months because he couldn’t afford to pay his hospital bill. The VOOM Foundation medical staff all pitched
in and covered his bill, so he could go home and be with his family.
Shortly after his release he had many seizures
and the cost of his drugs were enormous to him and his family, as they
sacrificed most of their family saving towards his care. Victor was in need of a second surgery. After a month or two, he set out to raise the
funds, recruit his blood own blood donors and travelling to multiple hospitals
searching for rare products needed for his surgery, Victor was ready. His second surgery was successful and was to
be followed by a six-week radiation therapy.
Radiation
therapy came with its own challenges.
The cost of therapy was already a burden and finding food and housing
near the hospital was impossible and unaffordable. Eventually, he tenaciously found
support. Shortly after his first week of
radiation, the hospital radiation machine broke down. He was told the nearest place to receive
treatment was 5-6 hours away. Low on
funds he opted to wait until the machine was fixed. Months later the machine was working again,
and he finished his therapy. It took him
months to complete a six-week therapy.
After
Victor returned home, his seizures continued.
Eventually, he began to feel better and notified the VOOM Foundation
staff that he was cured. Feeling normal
again, Victor wished to re-entered school that fall but he could not afford the
$70 tuition, as his funds were exhausted due to his healthcare. Eventually, a dear friend loaned him the money
and he happily returned to school full of hope and excitement.
Within
month’s Victor fell ill again and eventually passed away, succumbing to his
disease.
Everything
pertaining to his care was and his life was a struggle. His mother and his
family did everything they could to support his care, but he struggled every
step of the way. This is not just a story about Victor but a story of thousands
of indigent kids in Nigeria that are suffering the same. Victor wanted to go to
school and become a doctor but reaching his potential became an arduous task as
he was born in a country where the poor struggle with healthcare, education and
everyday needs.
VOOM
Foundation’s mission is to provide
impartial sustainable healthcare programs dedicated to quality, with a
particular interest in supporting the underprivileged and underserved.
Rest in Peace, Victor Ogbonna!