In a heartfelt plea, Utomi Joy from Onitsha is appealing to the public for assistance to save her four-year-old son, Caleb Nnaetochukwu Utomi, who has been battling a rare and life-threatening Diamond Blackfan Anaemia (DBA) disease since birth.
Caleb, born on November 5, 2020, was diagnosed at just four months old with Diamond Blackfan Anaemia (DBA), a rare bone marrow failure disease that prevents his body from producing red blood cells.
Since birth, Caleb has relied on life-saving blood transfusions every three weeks, having received 56 bags of blood to date.
While these transfusions are critical for Caleb’s survival, they have caused severe damage to his major organs due to the accumulation of iron in his body.
The only curative treatment available is a bone marrow transplant. Despite undergoing two surgeries and numerous medical treatments, Caleb now requires another surgery that his family cannot afford on their own.
“We have exhausted our resources on his medical treatments so far. We are in desperate need of public help to afford the next surgery that could save Caleb’s life,” said Utomi Joy.
“My son should have had the transplant in 2023, but we lack the money to afford the surgery.
“Nnaetochukwu is currently at home but we take him to the hospital every three weeks for transfusions.
“We recently retired from the hospital after he had received two rounds of transfusions on Monday, 1st of July, 2024.
“Nnaetochukwu needs a bone marrow transplant that would cost N25 million if he is getting tissue directly from family members or N29 million if he is getting it from a donor.
“His siblings are still small, so they cannot donate. His only chance will be us his parents.
“We need N500,000 to be paid to Stem Cell Transplant Hospital in Benin City, for his cross-matching marrow test to be conducted before the main surgery, Nnaetochukwu’s mum, Joy explains.
The Utomi family is appealing to kind-hearted individuals and organizations to assist in raising the funds needed for Caleb’s bone marrow transplant.
“Please, any assistance you can provide will help save Caleb and put a smile on his face,” added Joy.
For those willing to assist, donations and support can make a significant difference in Caleb’s fight for survival.
For further information, contact Utomi Joy or Mr Utomi, his father at ( 08061284849 OR 08038759171).
Doctors in Charge of Nnaetochukwu’s case can be contacted ( Prof Ezegamba ( chief Consultant Pediatric Heamotology COOUTH) 08034308452; Dr Okonkwo 0907 972 2642 Emergency Pediatrics COOUTH; Dr Chisom Nri Ezedi08035068197 NAUTH, CHIEF ONCOLOGY)
Your generosity could save a young life and bring hope to a struggling family.
Credit: Tribune Newspaper
