At just 14, Obadina Folawe Azeem should be focused on school, friends and dreams of the future. Instead, his days are now shaped by hospital wards, medical reports and an uncertain fight against osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer.
Folawe’s ordeal began quietly. What started as persistent pain soon escalated into a life-altering diagnosis. Doctors later confirmed he was suffering from a primary malignant bone tumour, a condition that requires urgent and intensive treatment to prevent it from spreading.
For his mother, Sholola Islamiat, the diagnosis was devastating.
“Nothing prepares you for hearing that your child has cancer,” she said. “Every day now feels like a race against time.”
Medical specialists at Matrix Orthopaedic Hospital have recommended immediate surgery followed by chemotherapy. The total cost of treatment stands at ₦14 million, broken down into ₦10 million for surgery and ₦4 million for chemotherapy.
Despite appeals to family and well-wishers, the funds raised so far amount to ₦2,125,700, leaving a daunting shortfall of ₦11,874,300.
Folawe, once active and full of energy, now spends much of his time resting, his strength gradually tested by the disease. Yet those close to him say he remains remarkably resilient.
“He keeps asking when he can get better and go back to school,” his mother said quietly. “That’s what breaks my heart the most.”
Health experts note that early intervention is critical in treating osteosarcoma, particularly in children and adolescents, where prompt surgery and chemotherapy can significantly improve survival outcomes.
With time no longer on their side, Folawe’s family has turned to the public for help, appealing to individuals, organisations and philanthropists to support the life-saving treatment.
Donations can be made through the following account:
Bank: GTBank
Account Number: 0114638444
Account Name: Sholola Islamiat (Mother)
For enquiries or verification, the family can be reached on 09127880111.
As Folawe continues his fight, his family hopes that compassion, shared humanity and collective goodwill can help give him the chance every child deserves, a future beyond illness.
