Foundation Bankrolls 13-year-old Heart Tumor Patient’s Bill

A non-governmental organisation, Foundation for Advocacy and Sensitisation on Tuberculosis (FAST) has paid the surgical bill of a 13-year-old heart tumor patient.

The founder of FAST, Dr Misitura Lawal-Arowona, disclosed this during the unveiling of the NGO in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The researcher and chemist said the foundation was birthed as a result of her love for humanity, quality teaching and research.

“It is a truism to say that health is wealth and it is on this note that the Foundation for Advocacy and Sensitization on Tuberculosis (FAST) will today grant the request by 13-year-old patient, Nwafor Emmanuel from the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, who has been clinically diagnosed of Nasopharyngeal Tumor, a likely cancer illness, that this foundation will pay the boy’s medical bill.”

To get the necessary response to tackle tuberculosis, Lawal- Arowona, who teaches at the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritise research as well as support for patients with tuberculosis.

“At this juncture, I hereby urge the federal government to prioritise funding of research and providing adequate support for patients of tuberculosis, especially women and children due to their vulnerability,” she said.

The state commissioner for health, Dr Amina El-Imam commended Lawal- Arowona for attaining a wonderful and enviable feat of doctorate degree against all odds.

She commended the lecturer for establishing FAST to complement the government’s efforts in sensitisation and advocacy on the deadly disease.