Hole in heart girl calls for support

By:  Samuel Agbewode, Ho
A 14 year old Class Four pupil of the Kekeli Academy at Tapa-Alavanyo in the Biakoye District, Celestine Adikyere, has been diagnosed of a heart disease at the National Cardiothoracic Centre of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, and her condition calls for immediate open-heart surgery.

According to a medical report signed by Dr. B. Gyan, Celestine Adikyere was born with a hole-in-heart condition, medically called Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), which the health authorities at the Centre noted was affecting the health of the girl, hence the need for an open-heart operation to close the hole.

The medical report stated that the total cost of surgery, anaesthesia, intensive care, and other health care support will cost GH¢22,000, and that the Ghana Heart Foundation would assist the family by paying 50 percent of the total cost.

The parents of Celestine Adikyere are, therefore, expected to pay the rest, which is GH¢11,000.   The father of the girl, Mr. Godson Adikyere, who briefed the media in Ho, stressed that he and the family cannot pay for the cost involved in the operation.

Mr. Adikyere is, therefore, appealing to individuals, religious bodies, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to help them pay for the cost of the operation to save the life of the little girl.

The patient, Ms. Celestine Adikyere, explained that because of her condition, anytime she walks even a short distance, she becomes very tired and weak, adding that as a result of the disease, she had to stop going to school. 'I would be grateful for financial support that would help save my life,' she pleaded.