This morning, I received a call that made me deeply emotional.

Irene had leukemia, and at WESOAMO Child Cancer Foundation, we adopted her treatment because her family was facing financial challenges. I paid particular attention to her case because her main caregiver was her father, and he needed support while caring for her.

That morning, I had spoken with her because her dad had sent her chemotherapy prescription to me. As usual, we sent a cheque to the pharmacy so they could get the medication. Her lab tests were okay, and chemotherapy began.

But just a few hours into treatment, she had a severe reaction, and the chemo had to be stopped.

This was not her first cycle—she had already gone through about six cycles without this kind of shock. She had been at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for over eight months.

The Day Everything Changed

Her dad told me what happened: within minutes, her condition deteriorated, and she was put on oxygen.

Later in the day, she became a bit calm and asked for milk to help with her mouth sores. Her dad went to get it—but before he returned, she slumped. All attempts to revive her failed.

She did not get to drink the milk.

My heart broke. I cried so much that, at one point, her father was the one consoling me.

The Weight of Loss

We had to arrange an ambulance to send her body home to the Western Region. That was another heartbreak.

I kept thinking about how her mother would feel. Her father had already lost his job because he became Irene’s primary caregiver. And then there were her siblings.

It has been over a year, but the memory is still fresh. At the time, I did not even know who to explain that pain to.

A Call of Gratitude, After a Long Time

Today, after so long, her dad called to say thank you.

He said they had never experienced that kind of support from a total stranger. Even though they lost Irene, they still appreciate everything we did.

In his own words: “y3ni sor mbua mudi may3n” (my Twi is rusty—I am Abla, forgive me).

On a lighter note, he said I did not allow him to cry. We both laughed. It is true—I apologized, and he laughed again.

He said they are all doing better now.

For Every Parent Carrying This Pain

I am grateful for that call.

I pray that all families who have lost their babies will find peace. This journey is heavy. Even when you think you are okay, some days are still gloomy.

Thank you for that call, sir.

We will continue, knowing we can only do our best. God is the ultimate healer.

A big thank you to everyone who keeps helping us reach children and families in need.

Rest in perfect peace, Irene. You fought a good fight. You remain our heroine.

#childhoodcancerawareness #wesoamochildcancerfoundation #wesoamo #oncologyinGhana