Sunday, October 27, 2013

SAIDI NGAWAJE NEEDS HELP!

The sad story of Saidi Ngawaje (28) who is suffering from a disease suspected to be Neurofibromatosis, a heriditary disease which may occur in about one in 3,000 births. It is a genetic disorder that affects the bone, skin and nervous system.
"Please, can you help me. I want to look like a normal person like I was many years ago."  Saidi Ngawaje told the Blogger of this Blog, Abdul Hai.

Twenty eight years old Saidi Ngawaje as he exactly appears, said to be suffering from Type One Neurofibromatosis disease which is a heriditary disease.
DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA: Saidi Ngawaje (28) was a normal looking young man about ten years ago but he now looks exactly like the picture shows. According to first assessment of medical doctors, he appears to be suffering from a disease medically known as Neurofibromatosis (NF1).

The disease is a genetic disorder that affects the bone, skin and nervous system. It is said to be a serious condition affecting the nerve cells and its growth. It is said that normally there is no cure for NF but if the growth becomes large and painful, it can be cut to reduce the risk of malignancy and other complications.

I accidentally met him on Saturday afternoon in a small remote village north of Dar es Salaam. His physical condition and the face-to-face interview aroused in me the Lionism Instinct that he needed help. As a matter of fact his sad life history was indeed a tragedy.

He seems to be peniless, father of two children and his wedded wife is reported to be keeping away from him due to his physical condition.

The first report of Saidi Ngawaje has already reached lions Club of Dar es Salaam Amani and the club has embarked on how to help him. Quick estimation of his medical bills starting from undergoing MRI scan, x-ray and CT scan for getting a clear picture of the disease and may be surgery will roughly cost US$1500. However, this all depends in which hospital and in which country he may be referred to for further management.

Saidi is the fourth child in the family of five (three girls and 2 boys). His children are five years old boy and three years old girl. At the present moment he is staying in his cousin's house, a simple looking house typical in the coastal areas.

One concern is that such people need not be kept in isolation although due to the nature of the disease, feeble minded patients may keep themselves aloof or withdraw from society.

Good Samaritans who may volunteer to help him should get in touch with the Club Secretary of Lions Club of Dar es Salaam Amani, Lion Shofiuddin Babul who is also a PRO of District 411B (Tanzania-Uganda). His email address is siam37@hotmail.com and his contact telephone is +255713603117.

Story & two pictures by Abdul Hai




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