By Gabriel Olawale
The prayer of every couple is the blessing of the fruit of the womb. When this prayer was answered for the family of Henry and Oluchi Mekwunye,  and Master Emmanuel was born, little did anyone realise that he came with a health challenge.

When Emmanuel was about eight months old, the family began to notice sudden cough, loss of appetite, and continuous breathing at high frequency.

Emmanuel Mekwunye

Diagnosis

This became unbearable for the family and they decided to seek medical help. It was after a chest x-Ray at the Lagos state University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, that it was disclosed that Emmanuel is battling with hole-in-the-heart condition known in medical parlance as tetralogy of fallot. This marked the beginning of struggle for the family.

A medical doctor explained that Tetralogy of Fallot is a condition caused by a combination of four heart defects that are present at birth. These defects, which affect the structure of the heart, cause oxygen-poor blood to flow out of the heart and into the rest of the body. Infants and children with tetralogy of Fallot usually have blue-tinged skin because their blood doesn’t carry enough oxygen.

Further, it was gathered that Tetralogy of Fallot is often diagnosed during infancy or soon after. However, the condition may not be detected until later in life, depending on the severity of the defects and symptoms. Sometimes, babies with tetralogy of Fallot have episodes called Tet spells caused by a rapid drop in the amount of oxygen in the blood.  Tet spells are more common in young infants, around 2 to 4 months old.

Treatment

It was also gathered that all babies with tetralogy of Fallot need corrective surgery. Without treatment, a baby may not grow and develop properly. He or she is also at increased risk of serious complications over time, which may result in death or disability by early adulthood.

However, with early diagnosis followed by appropriate treatment, most children with the conditionlive relatively normal lives, though they’ll need regular medical care and may have restrictions on exercise.

Appeal

Henry who approached Vanguard Health Features in a sober mood now hangs his hope on benevolent Nigerians. He narrated his plight.

“My son, Emmanuel, has been diagnosed with the failing heart condition, which according to the cardiologist is due to a hole in his heart and other complications.

Emmanuel is presently on admission at the hospital and has been on oxygen support since the complications worsened. “He has been referred to a hospital in Dubai where we were told to raise N3 million. Presently after selling some of my things combined with my savings, I have being able to raise N600,000. What is left presently for the money to be completed is N2.4 million. Emmanuel has been on oxygen for some weeks now to aid his breathing.”

A Consultant at the Department of Paediatrics at LASUTH, Dr. Barakat Animashaun, is convinced that Emmanuel’s ailment is curable.

But Emmanuel “Since the hospital lacks the facility for the surgery, it was agreed that Emmanuel should be taken to Rak Hospital in Ras Al-Khaimh, United Arab Emirates  for the treatment, which would cost N3.0 million.

Emmanuel’s mother, Oluchi, who burst into tears as she bemoaned her family’s helplessness, said: “I know if my son is not treated with utmost urgency, it may affect other organs in his body.

She expressed worry that he has rapidly lost weight.

“His tongue and lips have turned black. Each time he coughs, he throws up. I have no job, let alone bank savings. How are we going to raise such money since we have nothing to put on sale?

“My only child is my life; God, please help me,” she lamented.

Henry is an employee of a chemical company in Lagos struggling to make ends meet. The family is looking up to well-meaning Nigerians, government and non-governmental organisations for help.

If you are moved to assist, kindly contact 08028828518, 08183027367 or send donations to Emmanuel Obinna Mekwunye, Access Bank Plc, No: 0690421712.