Video: “I need help” – NYSC member, Chekwube Bernice Nnakife, who’s fighting sickle cell cries out

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Chekwube Bernice Nnakife, who was born with sickle cell anemia, battles every day to survive the issues that come with it.

As a sickle cell warrior, Ms. Nnakife persevered to earn her degree from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK).

Speaking recently with Vanguard, she said, “As a sickle cell warrior living in Nigeria with my family, it is really difficult for me and my family. Sickle cell is a big deal – the emotional damage and the physical damage. It is difficult.”

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Lagos is where Nnakife is a member. Because she has crises frequently, she has been unable to perform efficiently at her Place of Primary Assignment.

She claimed that it has been challenging for her to effectively manage her health because of Nigeria’s economic difficulties.

“While I was growing up, my dad and my mum were financially stable. They managed my crises, the ailment was discovered on time so they started treating. But now, the economy is down and I can’t really afford that hospital treatment” she said.

According to Nnakife, sickle cell carriers endure agony virtually every day and have surgery to address certain issues.

Acute Chest Syndrome is a devastating lung consequence that many sickle cell disease patients do not survive, she said.

Nnakife, who is already coping with a leg ulcer, pointed out that for sickle cell survivors, wounds might take months or even years to heal.

“You’ll have to go to the hospital every two days dressing the wound. If you don’t dress it the mucus will keep coming out and your leg won’t heal. Each hospital visit is a very big deal,” she cried.

“Every time I’m on the hospital bed, I don’t take less than 50 drips including drugs and injections,” she added.

Nnakife, who is currently receiving treatment at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), appealed to Nigerians to help her because she is unable to pay for it.

A bone marrow transplant is the long-term solution to the dilemma, according to her doctors.

“I’m appealing to the general public, please help me fight sickle cell. I’m a warrior, I’m strong, I’ve gone to school and I’m still fighting and will fight to the end. But I need help, I cannot do this on my own and my parents cannot afford it,” she said tearfully.

In order to assure compatibility, her father, Stephen Nnakife, urged prospective couples to verify their genotypes before getting married, pointing out that parents of sickle cell children constantly suffer alongside them.

Watch the video below

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