18-yr-old student with scoliosis appeals for support

The mother of an 18-year-old male student suffering from scoliosis, is appealing to the general public to help her raise GH₵74, 842.00, being cost of an urgent surgery to prevent further damage of her son’s spine.

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. While scoliosis can be caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most scoliosis is unknown.

Raphael Quarcoo, is going through severe pains, making it difficult for him to sit upright or lay on bed.

The situation is gradually affecting his education as he finds it difficult to sit for several hours during studies.

Professor Boachie-Adjei Oheneba and Dr Kwadwo Yankey at the Focos Orthopaedic Hospital, Pantang, in Accra, advised that the surgery be carried out immediately to prevent further damage to the spine.

According to the two doctors, the money would cover hospital charges which include ward, feeding, medication and x-ray.

Mrs Rosemary Quarcoo, mother of Raphael Quarcoo, who was in tears when speaking to the Ghanaian Times last Wednesday said, Raphael had to take daily pain killers before sleeping or sit several hours during lectures.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

“I do not have any money. I keep visiting one hospital to the other to find a cheaper facility for the surgery. We have visited the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Ridge Hospital, but the cost, I cannot afford.

“I am calling on Ghanaians to come to the aid of my son as I do not have anywhere to go for help,” she said.

BY BERNARD BENGHAN