Breast Cancer Patient Gets N6m From Facebook and Twitter Friends

The negative side of the social media has been a cause for concern to many in recent times, but for 28-year-old breast cancer patient, Osarere Idiagbonya, sites like facebook, twitter and blogs have given her hope for a better future.

Osarere recently cried for help of N6m to undergo breast cancer surgery, which is to be conducted at the Maryland Teaching Hospital, Baltimore, United States.

Her friends as well as those who doesn't know her had harnessed the social media sites to raise over N6m for the cancer patient for overseas treatment. Her friend, Michella Jonathan, who spearheaded the social media campaign, met her on Twitter in 2010.

Michella said she was moved by Osarere’s condition and started the fundraising campaign on August 25, 2012 after visiting her.

Osarere, a laboratory technician, had detected lumps on her left breast in June 2011. She had undergone two surgical operations to remove the lumps but was later diagnosed with breast cancer.

Her dad, Robert, who developed stroke in 2011, died on August 1 (Osarere’s birthday), a day after he was informed that his daughter had cancer. He was buried on August 31.

Michella said she was moved by Osarere’s story and consequently started the campaign on BlackBerry Messenger and Twitter, while also contacting some popular bloggers.

She said, “I posted her pictures and her scanned medical documents on the BBM and Twitter and Facebook. I also contacted bloggers and others about it. Initially the responses from people were not encouraging. They thought it was a scam and insulted me on the various sites.”

“However, some of those who visited Osarere at her residence to confirm the story spoke to Nigerian rapper, Ruggedman, about it and he visited her too.”

She said Ruggedman and Ice Prince shot a video clip about her plight online. She added that Ruggedman also connected them with people who donated to Osarere’s cause.

Celebrities such as Davido, Solid Star, Mo’cheedah, Alima Abubakar and Don Jazzy in the name of Marvin Records have donated to Osarere’s cause.

Osarere said she was thankful to Nigerians who were sympathetic to her plight. “I appreciate Nigerians who learnt about my predicament on the social media and rose to my aid. They have been so good to me and I cannot thank them enough,” she said.

Olufamous.com gathered that Osarere is waiting for the final medical report and referral letter from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, which would be forwarded to Maryland Teaching Hospital before she could travel out for treatment.

She said though the N6m for the surgery had been raised, she would still need money to procure flight ticket to and fro the hospital for her sister, who would follow her abroad.... She also urged Nigerians to continue to pray for her successful surgical operation.