Vodafone saved me from early death – Regina Aboagye
The impact made by Vodafone Ghana's benevolence on Valentine's Day still lives in the memories of some beneficiaries. Regina Aboagye is one such person.
A 39-year old mother and wife who works hard to take care of her family, Regina's life is not unlike other average Ghanaians, save the fact that she's been living with diabetes for some time now; a condition which has caused some dire complications in her life which landed her at the LEKMA hospital at Teshie.
Having had both her legs amputated due to a gangrene infection caused by her diabetic state, she also had to have treatment from a clinical psychologist to help her mentally adjust to the new development to her condition.
Coupled with the worry of how she was going to care for her family as an amputee, Regina also had to think about how she was going to pay her medical bill; her husband was a taxi driver and could not afford the bill which was almost a thousand cedis. Her problems seemed to be far from over until the day before Valentine's Day when Vodafone employees showed up by her bedside.
In adherence to their values, Vodafone Ghana on Valentine's Day, paid the outstanding bills of insolvent patients so that they could go home in time to spend the day with their families. The campaign named Homecoming meant over two hundred and thirty patients including Regina were released to go home because of the telecommunications company's demonstration of love and care. In addition they were given goody bags with phones and other Vodafone items.
The occasion was not without tears and profound gratitude for the surprise. After all, patients like Regina would be re-united with their families and continue with their lives, despite the challenges. When asked about the future, Regina calmly expressed her optimism saying that “Often we assume the worst in people and things. I never thought someone let alone a company would be thinking about me and care enough to do this. That alone gives me the strength to look forward to the future. I cannot say enough thank yous to Vodafone; I don't even know what to say. I wish God's blessings on them in everything. I hope they are able to continue with this and be a blessing to others just as they've been to me. I can finally sleep in my bed at home for the first time in a long time. I am forever grateful. ”
Back at home with her family after her release, Regina says 'it is only a caring company that will show such love to people who are not event using their network. I cannot thank them enough'.