The family of Ugwu, residents of Esan West Local Council in Edo State, is urgently seeking financial assistance for their three-year-old daughter, RichPearl, who is battling cancer at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Ekpoma. The child's mother, Mrs. Crystabel Ugwu, revealed that the health challenge began in 2024 when the family noticed a swelling on the right side of RichPearl's stomach.
Initially, the family assumed it was a minor injury that would heal without medical intervention. However, the swollen surface expanded rapidly after a few weeks, prompting them to take her to a nearby clinic in Ekpoma for proper medical evaluation. Due to limited medical facilities at the clinic, they were referred to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital for a broader assessment.
At Irrua Hospital, RichPearl was diagnosed with nephroblastoma stage IV, which includes 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 the progressive abdominal swelling. The report stated that based on the CT scan findings, she requires 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 disclosed 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. The family has been borrowing money to cope with the rising medical expenses required for RichPearl's treatment, describing the situation as overwhelming and stating they can 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.
