By Hassan Gbassay Koroma
Pursuing higher education in Sierra Leone is no small feat, but for 22-year-old Zainab Kanu, a Mass Communication student at Fourah Bay College (FBC), the challenge is even greater.
Kanu, now in her third year at the Faculty of Communication, Media, and Information Studies, has been living with severe scoliosis-a condition that has progressively worsened over the years.
Diagnosed at a young age, she has undergone various treatments and therapies, but the curvature of her spine has now reached a critical stage, causing debilitating pain and severely affecting her academic performance.
According to her medical report, Kanu urgently needs spinal fusion surgery. However, the life-changing procedure comes with a staggering cost of $50,000-an amount that Kanu and her family cannot afford.
“The pain often makes it difficult for me to breathe, and I struggle to concentrate on my studies,” Kanu shares.
Despite the immense financial and physical challenges, Kanu remains determined to pursue her education and live a pain-free life. In her fight to raise the funds, she has turned to crowdfunding, sharing her story widely to garner support.
“It’s tough to ask for help,” Kanu admits, “but this surgery is essential for me to continue my studies and live a normal life.”
Friends, family, and even strangers have rallied around her, contributing to her fundraising efforts and sharing her story on social media. While the outpouring of support has been positive, Kanu acknowledges that she is still far from her goal. She is appealing to individuals, both locally and internationally, as well as organizations, for any form of assistance to help her secure the surgery.
Kanu’s story highlights the struggles faced by students dealing with chronic health conditions while pursuing their education. It also underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and resources to support such individuals.
As she continues her fight for financial support, Kanu is determined not only to overcome her own challenges but also to raise awareness about scoliosis and advocate for others battling similar conditions.
