A 12-year-old boy has had his fortunes upturned by the vicissitudes of life.
At a tender age, Michael Isidore lost both parents, and in doing odd farming jobs to eke a living, he lost his right leg to an accident.
Michael who hails from Akwo Eto, Obot Akara Local Government area in Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria is living with permanent disability.
Speaking with Straightnews, Michael said ”I was not born with the disability. I was a strong, bubbling young boy who only had my fortunes upturned last year in an accident.
”After the death of my parents, I had to do odd farm jobs in the neighbourhood to survive.
”One of such days, someone contracted me during the COVID-19 lockdown to convey harvested corn on a mate 90 motor cycle to a particular spot.’’
Michael narrates ”While on the task; (being first of all too young to handle such a machine), I had an accident in that the machine fell on top of me. From that day, my right leg began to inflame and became infected due to poor post-crash care.
”Today, I have lost my right foot up to the ankle to serious decay due to lack of funds to access proper medicare.
”The infection is spreading, with foul-smelling leaking sore, and one can physically see his tibia bones sticking out, all dead to any feeling. The only way I get out is with the help of a make-shift firewood that serves as crutches,’’ he sobs uncontrollably.
The President/Founder of FRIENDS OF THE NEEDY ORGANIZATION, FONO, Mrs Eme Atakpo said her organization bumped into the helpless boy when they visited some persons in Obot Akara to share New Year palliatives with people living with disabilities.
According to her, ”My Organisation immediately commenced action by requesting that he be taken to the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene for examination.
”The doctors and medical staff have estimated the sum of #300,000 (three hundred thousand naira only) as fee for an amputative surgery. He will however need a prosthetic leg after the surgery.’’
Atakpo, therefore, appealed ”Michael needs help fast…the doctors at Ikot Ekpene General Hospital have proposed an urgent above the knee surgical amputation to save his life. His two surviving older siblings are unemployed and unable to help.’’
”FONO cannot handle this alone. It is therefore passionately requesting your kind donation to help foot Michael’s bill.
”You can please send your donation to: *( FRIENDS OF THE NEEDY ORG., First Bank…2009422045. Please add “FOR MICHAEL’S SURGERY” under the narration column).’’
