For years, Samsidin Yeku had no idea that a silent genetic condition was gradually damaging his heart. Today, he is fighting for his life and appealing to Nigerians for support to undergo a life-saving heart surgery estimated to cost ₦48 million.
Mr Yeku, a 45-year-old cooking gas retailer, has been diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that has severely damaged his heart and aorta.
According to his doctors, he urgently requires a modified Bentall procedure, a complex open-heart surgery, to survive.
About Marfan syndrome?
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes Marfan syndrome as a genetic condition that affects connective tissue, which provides support for the body and organs. It can damage the blood vessels, heart, eyes, skin, lungs, and the bones of the hips, spine, feet, and rib cage.
According to the Centre, some complications of Marfan syndrome can be very serious, like an aneurysm (bulge) of the aorta, the main artery that takes blood away from the heart. An aortic aneurysm can cause the walls of the aorta to tear apart (dissect) and blood to leak in the space created by the tear. An aortic aneurysm can be life threatening.
Some complications of Marfan syndrome can be treated or prevented, including heart disease, bone deformities such as a curved spine, eye conditions, crooked teeth, and collapsed lungs.
The United States National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) noted that Marfan syndrome affects an estimated one in every 3,000 to 5,000 people worldwide.
A condition discovered too late
In a video appeal, Mr Yeku recounted how the illness remained undetected until earlier this year, when he began experiencing persistent swelling in his legs.
Concerned about the symptoms, he sought medical attention at First Cardiology Consultants, Ikoyi, Lagos, where a series of tests revealed the true extent of the damage.
“For years, I unknowingly lived with Marfan syndrome, a condition that silently damaged my heart and aorta. Earlier this year, I developed persistent swelling in my legs, which led to a series of medical tests at First Cardiology Consultants, Ikoyi, Lagos,” he said.
Medical investigations showed that he has a dangerously enlarged aorta, a severely leaking aortic valve, and heart failure.
The recommended treatment
After reviewing his case, a team of cardiac specialists recommended a Modified Bentall procedure, an advanced open-heart surgery that replaces the damaged aortic valve, the aortic root and the ascending aorta with a synthetic graft and valve.
Mr Yeku is currently receiving medication to stabilise his condition while awaiting the urgently recommended surgery.
“I am currently on medication to stabilise my condition while awaiting surgery. After reviewing my case, a team of experienced cardiac surgeons recommended a modified Bentall procedure, a life-saving open-heart surgery,” he said.
A bill estimate signed by the Practice Manager at FCC Healthcare, Cynthia Egbai, states that Mr Yeku is scheduled for a Modified Bentall at their facility. The estimated cost of the surgery is N48 million, which requires 100 per cent pre-payment.
A race against time
While the surgery offers hope, the cost has become an overwhelming obstacle.
The estimated ₦48 million required for the procedure is far beyond what Mr Yeku and his family can afford.
The amount will cover pre-operative investigations, intensive care, theatre fees, the surgeon’s and anaesthetist’s fees, medications, medical consumables, post-operative investigations and other related hospital expenses.
An appeal for support
Mr Yeku is appealing to kind-hearted individuals, organisations and philanthropists to support him in raising the funds needed for the surgery.
Donations can be made to:
Account Name: Gharny Yeku
Account Number: 0124840400
Bank: GTBank
