Case Stories Addis Ababa Program
Child Name: Eyoel Yonas
Father Name: Yonas Tadesse
Eyoel is a six year old boy from a place called Bale Robe 402 km from Addis Ababa. Eyoel’s illness started with abdominal cramp, burning session when he passes urine, fever, sweating and poor appetitive. After few days his father took him to a private hospital near his home, where they told him he has amebiasis and put him on medication. However, the condition persisted with no improvement, they thein thought it could be appendicitis, and took Ultra Sound. They did surgery with no appendicitis, but took sample form the mass, Eyoel developed infection and was bleeding. The hospital referred him to Hawassa hospital. But Yonas his father took him to another private hospital called Bete Abreham where they were able to suspect Emrional RMS a form of cancer. They told him he needs surgery this was after 18 days of the first surgery and this will cost 70,000 Birr (700 USD). Yonas was puzzled by the surgery and did not have the fee they asked. They told him after removing the mass they will refer him to Tikur Anbess Hospital for chemotherapy. He told them if it is possible to refer him to Tikur Anbessa Hospital as he can’t afford the private hospital. He came to Tikur Anbessa, Addis Ababa and Eyoel was admitted to emergency and after a lot of investigation he was sent to D7 pediatric oncology ward. He stayed 20 days at the hospital and the surgery was done. He recovered from the surgery and was sent to the outpatient center where he took 36 cycles of chemo therapy. Eyoel is in good condition now and no mass seen. He has more treatment and follow-ups.
Yonas, Eyoel father has spent 250,000 Birr (1,800 USD), he used it for accommodation, food, medicine, investigation. He struggled for 11 months and used up all his finances. Finally, he decided to go back home as his family there need his support. He has 97 year old father and another son that is unable speak, he simply can’t afford to drain his family. He always participated in the group counseling and always was thinking about joining TAPCCO but he thought he had enough money to complete the treatment and did not want to compete with the people who need the support most. Finally, he consulted Meaza the psychologist, after hearing his story, Meaza arranged for him to come to TAPCCO, where he is now getting support and the child is doing well.
Yonas said, I was in the verge of giving up, I decided on my own that let God take from this point and help my child. I think he has given me the answer, TAPCCO/ASLAN is God sent. I am recording everything my child is going through, I take pictures and video and will show him what sacrifice people have made. I am hopeful that my child will get well with the support TAPCCO/ASLAN gives a child has a chance to survive and beat cancer. God bless you and may He give you all the strength to support desperate parents like me.
