By Gabriel Olawale

LIFE has little meaning for Praise Omonhimoria, aged one year and five months, no thanks to a nagging health problem. Born with a hole in the heart, he has been denied the excitement and indulgence of infancy enjoyed by his contemporaries.

Presently, his situation is so bad he can hardly breathe.  Irrespective of how conducive the room he sleeps, Praise wakes up sweating and agitated. He vomits almost every meal he is given, and is perpetually hungry.

Praise

Recent medical examinations  revealed that his condition is critical and an urgent corrective surgery that will cost N2.5 million is his only saving grace.

But this is easier said than done. Raising this sum is a big challenge for Vincent Omohimoria, Praise’s father, who is currently running from pillar to post.

Vincent,  a driver and his wife, a trader are their wits end over their son’s predicarment. Narrating the ordeal, the father who was in tears said the doctor’s diagnosis has made him really afraid.

“The hospital said that my son’s life is at risk and he is likely to suffer heart failure as a result of the hole in his heart. He said the heart is failing very fast and the hole is enlargening.” Vincent is appealling to well meaning Nigerians for assistance, said he has spent his life savings to procure palliative care for the boy.

“We are appealing to Nigerians for help. My son’s current health situation is not encouraging at all and we are scared. The doctor has adviced that he should be flown abroad for corrective heart surgery and the estimated amount required is N2.5 million. We are pleading for help to save the life of our child.”

A doctor’s report from a repeated echo cardiogram shows that Praise is suffering from a congenital heart disease.

The report signed by a  Consultant Paedriatic Cardiologist at the Department of Child Health, UBTH, Professor Wilson Sadoh, noted that he requires corrective heart surgery.

The report says: “A repeat echocardiogram done on the 9th of February, 2015 showed the following, a 10.3mm Secundum type, Atrial Septal Defect, ASD shunting from left to right. The right atrium is markedly enlarged and fractional shunting-50.3 percent.

“The patient is currently symptomatic for heart failure and is failing to thrive. He would therefore need corrective heart surgery.”

If you are touched by Praise’s plight, kindly send your donation to Vincent Omohimoria, First Bank 2027635949 or contact 08038601975 for more details.