A Nigerian family's remarkable 23-year journey caring for three children with cerebral palsy has captured national attention after their emotional story went viral on social media platform TikTok.
The Family's Long Journey With Cerebral Palsy
Esther, the eldest daughter in her family, bravely shared her family's challenging experience through a video posted on TikTok account @yomilistens. According to her heartfelt account, her mother gave birth to three children with cerebral palsy at different times starting from 2002.
The first affected sibling is now 23 years old, the second is 20 years old, while the youngest is 15 years old. Esther explained that each child developed cerebral palsy through different medical circumstances that occurred after birth.
Medical Causes and Financial Struggles
In her viral video, Esther detailed the specific medical events that led to each sibling's condition. The first child developed cerebral palsy due to prolonged labor during birth. After three years, the second child acquired the condition through jaundice. The third sibling, born five years later, developed cerebral palsy after contracting meningitis.
The family faces significant financial challenges in providing care for the three siblings. Esther revealed they spend approximately N200,000 monthly on medications and treatments alone. This substantial expense has created ongoing economic pressure on the entire family.
Since completing her university education, Esther has been actively helping her mother provide care for her siblings. She acknowledged that her mother has two other children who do not have cerebral palsy, making her family situation particularly complex and demanding.
Public Reaction and Varied Responses
The emotional video sparked widespread reactions across social media platforms, with netizens expressing mixed responses to the family's situation. Some commenters praised the family's dedication, while others expressed concerns about the long-term impact on Esther's personal life.
One TikTok user @Anastasia clarified medical aspects of the condition, noting that cerebral palsy typically occurs after pregnancy rather than during it, supporting Esther's explanation of the causes.
However, other commenters like @Tessyama expressed reservations, suggesting that such extensive family sacrifices might lead to future regrets. @AmoriTheCreator commented about the difficulty of such commitments, while @Ayomide of Arsenal questioned whether the family's approach was sustainable.
The viral story has highlighted both the challenges faced by families dealing with cerebral palsy in Nigeria and the complex social dynamics surrounding long-term caregiving responsibilities.
