Doris Obinna

Curis Bede Anumata, 45, is fighting the biggest battle of his life. He needs to raise $17,000, about N6.5 million, immediately for an urgent kidney transplant in an Indian hospital. The alternative for him is to suffer a slow, agonising death.

At the moment, the father of three does not look his old self any longer, as he has become so emaciated. He was diagnosed with angina pectoris of the heart.

He was first diagnosed with chest pains, easy fatigue and heaviness in August 2012. Then, his report from abdominal scan revealed a “liver normal in size, measuring 127mm, no focal parenchymal lesion noted. The portal veins appear normal. Gall bladder is normal, kidney bilaterally normal in size and in position. The spleen is normal in size, pancreas normal in size as well as stomach in normal distension and outline. But the heart is enlarged due to abnormal sinus rhythm.”

He was still managing the situation until 2014 when he had internal bleeding and went back to Isolo General Hospital, Lagos. Upon test and scan, he was referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). On admission, electrocardiogram was done and it was discovered that he had angina pectoris. He was later placed on treatment and massaging every day.

He said: “While I was in LUTH, I was placed on treatment, and every day, the doctor came to massage me, because, according to him, I have an enlarged heart. This cost N5,000 each day. When I could no longer afford the payment after spending months in the hospital, I was discharged.

“But the pain continued and I could hardly eat cooked food. In fact, I was told to stop eating cooked food and avoid anything that had salt. I only take fruits and depend on supplements.”

Related News

The financial hole this has created in the pocket of the man is better imagined. According to him, his wife, Stella, a seamstress has lost most of her customers because of the situation at hand.

“To feed and cater for the kids has become a big problem, having exhausted all avenues and channels of getting money,” he said.

Daily Sun learnt that it is only by the grace of God that he is still alive today. Doctors said he is expected to undergo the surgery as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, according to Dr. Jumoke Ahubelem Ojo, executive director, Azzon Medical Diagnostic Services, the electrocardiogram done on him revealed angina pectoris. And based on that, he is being referred to India for further treatment and surgery.

“We have contacted Columbia Asia Hospital and they said we should send the patient and his assistant to block F Gol Chakkar Palam Vihar Gurgan, Haryana 122017.”

Anumata, an indigene of Ikeduru in Imo State, is a lecturer of Music and Latin at the Oblete of St. Joseph Seminary Formation House, Ibadan. He also lectured at Ibadan Catholic School of Music and was director of music of Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos between 1999 and 2013.

Anyone willing to assist Anumata may contact him on 08033990381, while his wife could be reached on 08024619316. Payment could also be made to the Diamond Bank account number, 0064102202. Account name is Curis Bede Anumata.