I’d like to be a doctor, 13-yr-old throat tumour patient says after operation

A 13-year-old boy, Emmanuel Nwafor, who was diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal Tumour – a likely cancer illness, has successfully undergone surgical operation with a renewed hope of becoming a doctor someday.

Emmanuel, whose father died when he was just three years old, was operated by a team of surgeons at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH).

Foundation for Advocacy and Sensitization on Tuberculosis (FAST) catered for the entire medical expenses of the operation.

As part of a follow-up on the patient, the foundation visited Emmanuel and his family on Saturday at their residence in Ilọrin.

Speaking to the visiting team, Emmanuel Nwafor thanked the foundation for rescuing him and bringing hope to his life.

According to him, “I would like to become a medical doctor when I grow up so that I will be able to assist the less privileged, especially the sick who can’t afford their hospital bills. This has been traumatising, but I will pick it up from here and concentrate on my studies to achieve my dreams,” he said.

While expressing her appreciation, Emmanuel’s mother, Ndidi Nwafor, said since the death of her husband 10 years ago, she has been shouldering the burdens of the needs and wellbeing of the family alone.

In her remarks, the founder of FAST, Dr Misitura Lawal-Arowona, expressed concern over lack of support for patients of both minor and major illnesses, which has led to the death of so many innocent souls.