Sick Pikin Fly Out Three More Children for Surgeries
By Mohamed Konneh
The Sick Pikin Project will today 11th September 2024 fly out three more sick children for surgeries in India. The three listed children will departs this morning for New Delhi in India there much needed surgeries.
Speaking during the press conference to announce their departure, Lead Campaigner, Ishmeal Alfred Charles said the sick pikin project since its inception has not only raised funds to save the lives of sick vulnerable children but has also help to restore the lost dignity of families whose children were sick and unable to care for them.
‘They were also unable to foot their medical bills. As a project we have been able to beg for 306 cases with 123 surgeries done overseas and 183 locally. However we still have growing number of children approaching our office daily looking for help in a very desperate mood and with life threatening medical conditions. As of today 10th September 2024, there are 56 more cases of sick children awaiting funds, he said.
Charles noted that the past years have been challenging with finances and sending children for surgeries continue to be slower.
“Amidst, these financial difficulties, the project is taking the bold step with the help of some of its donors such as the Bank of Sierra Leone, the Jalloh Family especially the consul of the Netherlands in Sierra Leone for donating funds raised for Isata Jalloh who died during the campaign. The project also got support from Commissioner Patricia Ndanema and Sister Vicky Middleton and an anonymous donor for their support,’ he said.
Charles noted that three of the children leaving for surgery include Caleb Julian Sewah, Isatu Isha Kamara and Mabinty Paulina Bangura.
“They will spend the night in Lungi and depart the shores of Freetown early Wednesday morning for New Delhi, India for their surgeries. Two will travel with their mother and the third will travel under the guardianship of the two mothers. This is as result of limited funding,” Charles noted.
Madam Grace Jones while in her brief statement listed the number of completed cases and their conditions. They include Alhasan Bockarie spinal bifida, Hawa Kaicombay same spinal, Malia Momoh, burns, Musa Momoh burns, Sahid Bawa Koroma, Congenital Heart defect, Prince Pewa Paraplegia, Robert Kanga, cryptorchidism, Osman Bangura, Acte appendicitis and Daniel Gborie, burns.
She appeals for help for the sick pikin project so as to focus on giving children another chance to live and by donating, you have helped to make that happens.
Madam Grace said no amount is too small when using it to save life.
The mother of Caleb in tears thanked Sick Pikin for the support noting that her family has lost all hope of saving the lives of their children.
“I don’t know what more to say, but we grateful that these children are now traveling out of the country to have their surgeries. This is dream come true,” the mother said.
