Ray of Hope

On August 15, 2016 I posted a story about a boy whose parents couldn’t afford his hospital bills after discharge and how his bills were settled after a special fundraising.  Multiple scenarios such as this led to the creation of the Anidasowoha fund; a fund dedicated to helping poor patients who are unable to settle their hospital bills. Thanks to support from generous donors, we (Anidasowoha fund) were able to settle the hospital bills of a one year old boy who had been admitted, on October 18, due to multiple facial lacerations sustained due to a fall. His injuries were very significant and resulted in significant blood loss prompting us to transfuse blood products. By God’s grace, his brain was not affected by the fall and he consistently displayed all reflexes expected for a child of his age. He fully recovered and was discharged on Monday, October 24 2016. Unfortunately, his mother, who has 6 other children and an alcoholic, had not registered the boy on the national insuranc

At 10:50 pm on Monday October 10, 2016 I received a call from Hannah’s dad. Hannah had passed away at home surrounded by family and loved ones. I was (and still am) saddened by the news. The life of a 14-year old was ended abruptly by a manageable illness due to a failed health system. Hannah was a strong girl full of life and dreams of the future whose resolve to beat her illness was evident for all to see. She fought this illness all the way to end and never backed down even when the complications of the illness required her to be stuck in the hospital for days. All she wanted was to get well, return back to school and also help her dad on their farm. She will be terribly missed. Unfortunately, Hannah’s story is repeated across the country each day. There is high prevalence of pediatric mortality due to preventable and manageable diseases in Ghana. Hannah’s death is a poignant reminder of urgently needed changes in this healthcare system. Rest in Peace Hannah, Rest in Peace