Lionheart Ability Leaders International Foundation (LALIF) is calling on Nigerians to seek for financial support to help a 29 years old man, Abdulsalami Rauf who has been Deaf-blind for about 4 years with no hope in sight.
Abdulsalami was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis- a brain tumor which the doctor said had severely affected his optic nerve and cochlear cells, hence his loss of sight and hearing.
The tumor was also said to be the cause of his constant migraine and recommended for removal via surgery before it deteriorates to brain cancer. The constant headache and pains makes eating and sleeping difficult for Rauf which is the reason he can be heard in the video saying he is tired and wants to die.
In an appeal made by LALIF, “29 years old Abdulsalami Rauf was in his first year studying Mass Communications at the Oyo State Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State early in 2016.
“Unfortunately, his journey towards the accomplishment of his dreams was cut short one day while he was engaged in a football match with some friends and course mates.
“He had an accident, collapsed on the field and was rushed to the University College Hospital, Ibadan, where he spent 6 months in intensive care.
“He couldn’t walk again, and the doctors thought he had sustained an injury to his spinal cord, which they told the father would heal with time. That was 6 years ago.
“After he was discharged from the UCH, his father took him back to their home in Ikorodu, Lagos State, hoping he would indeed recover and return to school.
“He did regain his ability to walk again to some extent, but with poor body balance and motor coordination. Then began series of visits to various hospitals and healthcare professionals from whom they got various diagnosis and no cure.
“He was referred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos State in October 2021 by the Executive Director, Lionheart Ability Leaders International Foundation. By then, he had lost the use of both sight and hearing, and suffered from constant, severe migraine headaches.”
According to the medical reports obtained from the hospital, the initial cost of the surgery is said to be N1,500,000 (1.5 million naira), reason LALIF is reaching out to the general public after it has become difficult to raise funds.
LALIF is receiving support on behalf of the family in its account with the following details; Account number: 1023022127, Acct name: Lionheart Ability Leaders International foundation, Bank: United Bank for Africa