Of all the work we have done, none is more moving than the story of Omolara Dasaolu. The little two and half year old girl was discovered this Summer, having been kept at home for lack of funds for much needed surgery for two years. The eye lesion you see here started following immunization at 9 months old. Before this intervention, she had endured two years of suffering. Alongside another US-based non-profit, AOOF vowed our support for expedited treatment for her. The projected cost of treatment is N747,000 (approx. $5,300), most of which is for post-operative treatments. The cancerous lesion was successfully removed in surgery on Monday, September 17, 2009.
The picture below is of the little girl and her mother, post operative. By the end of that day, young Omolara was already on her feet. What a relief after over one and half years! The mother herself is diagnosed with bilateral pterygia. We hope to be able to assist with her treatment and care also.
Post-Operative with Mother
Local people have truly rallied, including people donating N20 naira ($1 = N140). But we can do with more funds as we hope to send her to school after this is all over, so as to ensure that her circumstances will not be limiting factors. So far, we have raised about N400,000 but we need your help to finish what has been started. Omolara has already started expensive chemotherapy treatment, which is expected to continue for another nine months.
REST IN PEACE: In spite of gallant efforts by medical staff and the outpouring of love from the community, Baby Omolara Dasaolu passed on November 19, 2009. After the initial suggery and other follow-up intervention steps, the doctors discovered that her cancer had spread from her eyes into her head. All they could do for her in the last days was manage the pain as best they could.
This is a reminder to all of us that even though we may try our best, God knows best. It is also a reminder of the importance of early intervention, and the need to continue the work of screening and preventive care that do together.
THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE THAT CAME TO THE SUPPORT OF OMOLARA'S TREATMENT EARLY! COLLECTION EFFORTS STOPPED AFTER HER CONDITION WAS DETERMINED TO BE TERMINAL, AND ALL FUNDS COLLECTED WERE USED TO COVER HER CARE. AND FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT INQUIRED ABOUT SUPPORT AFTERWARDS, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR FAITHFULNESS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.