Kofoworola, The Lady with A Large Heart, Remebered Today.

Today marks one year anniversary of the death of Kofoworola who suffered from scolosis, a disorder that leads to the curvature of the backbone which developed when she was 10 years old.

After several futile attempts of treatment to correct her posture, she was referred to the University College Hospital,Ibadan in 1998 where though she was treated;she didn’t get any improvement to her condition.

Chophoe as they fondly call and spell her name revealed in an interview before her death that she was asked to visit the hospital every three months for observation and treated like a ‘specimen for the College Students to learn.’

‘The consultants would use a biro to point at many parts of my body while expalaining what they thought they could see. They had no feelings for me and at a point; I told my mum I didn’t want to continue that shameful treatment.’She narrated.

Kofoworola as a Scoliosis patient suffered discrimination and mockery. She had difficulty in doing a lot of things without assistance. She was constantly in pains which resulted in sleeplessness, hence, her health deteriorated.

She continued to live with the ailment for 16 years and when the situation became unbearable, the family sought for treatment outside the country.

On the 12^th of November 2014, Kofoworola was billed for a surgery at FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital, Accra,Ghana. A day the family members look forward to as the last day of pain for their kind.

The surgery was successful much to their delight. Bach home, they continued to pray for her quick recovery and rehabilitation. Hours later,Chophoe could no longer cope; she died around 7pm,hours after the surgery at the age of 26.

Today, 12^th November 2015, a yearafter, the family members consisting of the dad, mum and four siblings still believe Kofoworola is alive and with them.

 

The young lady didn’t die without leaving her footprints in the sound of time. She published her autobiography in June 2014. She also established an NGO; the Scoliosis Awareness Association (SCAA). The major aim of the NGO is set at enlightening the public about scoliosis, ways of detecting and preventing.

Chophoe as she was popularly called by her friend also created a commitee of friends club known as 'versatile 5'. She is still remebered today by her friends and family of her good works till today.

We really need to learn from her situation.