By Cosmas Omegoh and Gloria Ikegbule-Obot
Gerald Eke is an albino. At the moment, his life is at the brink – threatened by a debilitating skin cancer. His future is simply uncertain in the same way the life for his young family appears to hang in the balance; he is a father of three.
Right now, Gerald is in dire need of an estimated $100,000 to undergo treatment in a US hospital. He wants to live and not die. Already, a Save-Gerald-Eke project has been launched. He counts on the goodwill of the public to pull through.
Our correspondents gathered that albinos are mostly affected by two major health conditions: visual impairment and high vulnerability to skin damage from ultraviolet rays, including skin cancer. Gerald is suffering the two.
But in spite of his challenges, Gerald is dogged. He is an accomplished graphic designer and printer committed to his calling.
Many who live and work in Lawanson area of Surulere, Lagos, attest to his prowess in graphic designing. For years, he has been designing award-winning artworks for his clients. He has also been printing bulletins, magazines and other matters for many Catholic churches across Lagos. But now, he is down, unable to any of that, let alone help himself. So he needs help.
For Gerald, living with albinism hasn’t been easy. His young family too has suffered. Over the years, he has been fighting the scourge with engaging energy. But now, things are turning differently for the worse.
“I have undergone multiple excisional biopsy Mohs Surgery and Skin Grafting procedures having battling with a severe case of what doctors call squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer,” he said.
“My last pathology results show I require a corrective surgery to improve my condition.”
Our correspondents gathered that unfortunately, the surgery that Gerald requires can be performed overseas at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas in United States. The estimated cost of the treatment: pathology, travel and accommodation expenses, stands at $100,000. This is huge – an amount he definitely cannot afford.
Daily Sun learnt that Gerald’s skin cancer ordeal began when he was a teenager. Then, little did he know that activities that exposed him to sunlight were going to have adverse effects on his skin later in life.
He recounted how his undue exposures to sunlight usually left his skin reddish resulting to skin burn.
“The skin burn normally lasted for some days before my skin would repair itself.”
He went on to recall that “around 2003 I once noticed a slight wound on the right side of my scalp that till now has refused to heal.
“Then, I visited a hospital in Surulere and told the doctor about the challenge alongside other ailments, but he only treated me of malaria and assured me that the wound would heal overtime.
“After a long time, the wound refused to heal. So, one day, I decided to visit a dermatology hospital in Yaba. From there, I was referred to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba.
“I had my first skin grafting surgery on the February 17, 2008. That was very successful, but not the second surgery in 2017 following an accidental cut on same spot leading to an infection.
“Since May 9, 2018, I have been living with bandage on my head. This I change at least two times a week.”
Almost in tears, he added: “With each passing day, my health condition continues to deteriorate.
“I got a referral letter from LUTH to go overseas for a corrective surgery on my head which has been bleeding since 2018, and also on my lips which is a very sensitive position I must say.
“After several consultations, I was able to get MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas as an ideal hospital for the treatment.
“Although the cost of treatment is on the high side, I have faith in God through Jesus Christ my Saviour that I will make it.”
But for now, Gerald is going through excruciating pain in his head and lips. He usually fights off his agonies and struggles and prefers to replace them with a cheer.
However, during this encounter, Gerald whispered: “This is the most painful and difficult period in my life,” thus underlining his predicament.
Now, Gerald lives indoors – just to reduce the impact of the sun on his skin.
He is pained by his inability to shoulder his family responsibilities. His social and business lives lie in ruins. Besides, he often feels embarrassed when some of his clients now see him as unfit to handle their jobs.
“Now see me,” he cried, “I need help,” as drop of tears cascaded down his checks.
•Donations to save Gerald can be sent to Gerald Uche Eke, Fidelity Bank, Account No: 6230084372.