The family of Ugwu, residents of Esan West Local Council in Edo State, is seeking financial assistance for their three-year-old daughter, RichPearl, who is battling cancer at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Ekpoma.

The child’s mother, Mrs Crystabel Ugwu, said the health challenge began in 2024 when the family noticed a swelling on the right side of RichPearl’s stomach.

According to her, the family initially thought it was a minor injury that would heal without medical intervention.

She said: “The swollen surface expanded rapidly after a few weeks, and we were advised to take her to a nearby clinic in Ekpoma for proper medical evaluation. Due to lack of medical facilities at the clinic in Ekpoma, we were referred to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital for a broader assessment of RichPearl.

“At Irrua Hospital, she was diagnosed with nephroblastoma stage IV (lung metastasis).”

According to a medical report issued and signed by Dr Okosun O.A., Consultant Paediatrician at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, RichPearl was first admitted in April 2025 for CT scans of the chest and examination of progressive abdominal swelling.

The report stated that, based on the CT scan findings, she was diagnosed with nephroblastoma stage IV with lung metastasis and would require 12 months of chemotherapy, medication and other treatments estimated at N11.7 million.

Mrs Ugwu appealed to Nigerians and well-meaning individuals to assist in saving her daughter’s life.

She revealed that her husband works as a vulcaniser and struggles to support the family on a monthly income of less than N20,000, while she earns a modest income as a petty trader in Ekpoma.

According to her, the family has been borrowing money to cope with the rising medical expenses required for RichPearl’s treatment.

She described the situation as overwhelming and said the family could no longer afford the chemotherapy sessions at Irrua Hospital.

Those willing to support RichPearl’s treatment can do so through:

FCMB Account Number: 1048101972

Account Name: Ugwu RichPearl Chinecheremu

Dr Okosun can be reached on 0803 761 3166, while the mother’s phone number is 0810 258 9694. (The Guardian)

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