A call for help: Boy, 4, seeks N2.5m for corrective heart surgery

Four year old Michael Owolabi’s life is hanging in the balance. Born with a congenital heart defect, he is not as physically active as children of his own age.


He just sits quietly, breathless, inactive and requiring constant attention. His father, Temitope Owolabi, who spoke of the family’s predicament as a result of the malady said a sum of N2.5 million is required to enable Michael seek corrective heart surgery in India. “We don’t know where this problem came from as it did not manifest when he was born. I have run from pillar to post and spent my life savings in the effort to tackle this problem,” he lamented.

A medical report from the Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, revealed that a preliminary diagnosis of ventricular septal defect was made.

The report, signed by Dr. B.A. Animasahun, a Consultant Paediatrics Cardiologist, said Michael was seen at the cardiology unit on July 6, 2015, with recurrent cough of two years duration. Animasahun reported that a clinical examination revealed a cyanosed child with oxygen saturation of 99 percent in room air.

“Significant findings on cardiovascular examination was normal heart sounds with grade3 pansystolic murmur loudest at the lower left sterna border.” She said although Michael was commenced on antifailure medications, he requires urgent surgery. If you are moved to assist, kindly send donation to this Bank Account: Owolabi Michael Darasimi, GT Bank, 0213616741 or call 08033221067.