SEGUN ADEYEMI AN ELEPHANTIASIS PATIENT RECEIVES COMPLETE CURE FOR HIS AILMENT THROUGH
THE SUPPORT OF THE LIFE COMPANION INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION
BACKGROUND:Segun Adeyemi is a young man of 40 years. He is single
and has no formal education nor skills. He has no means of livelihood but lives on street begging to sustain his life. His
health condition somehow have a bearing on the way he lives.
MEDICAL HISTORY: At prime age of 29, Segun developed symptons of ELEPHANTIASIS though
he did not know that was his problem. It all started as a swell on the left foot which accompanied a minor fever. As time
goes on, the swell increased in size and a severe pain followed. Gradually the swell enlarged and started to look urgly. Relatives,
friends and associate have started noticing the swelling foot and adviced him to find out what the problem was. In addition,
the severe pains he was undergoing equally forced him to seek for medical help A visit to the Hospital showed he was suffering
from elephantiasis. He was informed that the swell will grow larger in size, deform him and might spread to the other
foot if not properly treated. He was informed that he would be amputated of the affected foot and the cost of treatment was
put at #75,000.00. Segun has neither the money nor anybody to assist him raise such amount of money. He began the quest
for support for his treatment and has to take to street life to see if help might come his way. Meanwhile, the elephantiasis
has become full blown and has covered the toes to the knee; has holes on various areas, drips water continuously and oozes
out offensive odor. His condition makes him repulsive to many people. Segun lived with this sickness and in the street for
11 years before help came.
A LIGHT IN THE TUNNEL: Sometime in July 2001, Segun was laying under the bridge in the busy Oshodi
market in Lagos Nigeria. His posture presented a pathetic sight. Sympathetic and kind hearted passersby stopped to drop few
notes on his plate beside him. The Resident Controller of the Life Companion International was drawn to the scene. He saw
Segun, approached him and tapped him on his shoulder. Those who saw him wondered what he was up to. However, when Segun woke
up and confronted the scene, he wondered whether the long awaited succour has come. And indeed, his long time of waiting was
gradually coming to an end.
The Resident Controller introduced himself and the Organisation. He explained to Segun that the organisation
would assist if he is willing. Segun accepted willingly and followed him to the office. His medical history was taken. After
he recounted his story, according to the Resident Controller, "I felt pity for him and imagined what he has gone through all
these years and we are determined to help him recover fully". Segun was taken to one of the Organisation's hospital- The Lagos
University Teaching Hospital(LUTH) for diagnosis. He was diagnosed of elephantiasis and was informed of two types of medical
treatment for such cases- amputee of the affected leg or scrapping of the flesh in the affected area. The advantages and disadvantages
of both treatments including the most enduring were explained to him. The cost of both treatment were stated as -amputee will
cost #150,000.00. while flesh scrapping will cost #75,000.00. Segun choose amputee of the affected foot.
ASSISTANCE:The Helpless People's Committee of the Life Companion International in collaboration with
the Brothers keepers Organisation mounted campaign for SAVE SEGUN'S LIFE. In the course of their campaign, the Honourable
Commissioner For Justice of Lagos State, Nigeria, Professor Yomi Oshibanjo became aware of his predicament and came
to his rescue. The Commissioner For Justice solely accepted to foot his bill and directed that his medical expenses be sent
to him.
TREATMENT&CONVALESCENCE:Segun was addmited at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital in November
2001 for treatment. The surgery was successful and the Honourable Commissioner For Justice settled all his medical bills accordingly.
After treatment, Segun stayed with the Organisation until he was fully recovered, and was later re-united with his family
and were happy to see him fully well again. Today Segun is living happily and looks forward to a brighter tomorrow.
