In the corridors of Ridge Hospital, Lisa Laryea’s family gathers around a phone, watching her faint smile from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

It is the only glimpse of the 10-year-old they have had in days.

Lisa, who once filled her home with laughter and light, is now battling stage 4 leukaemia, a life-threatening cancer of the blood and bone marrow. 

Lisa, a student of Lerato Preparatory and JHS in Lartebiokorshie, was known for her love of books and her dream of becoming a paediatrician. But her vibrant life slowed on October 31, 2024, when what seemed like a simple cold and headache escalated into the unimaginable. 

“Lisa went for career day at school, and then my mother was called by the school authority that Lisa was complaining of body pains.

"On 1^st November 1, 2024, she was taken to the hospital for treatment for common cold and malaria, but upon close examination by the physicians, we were told they were going to admit her.”

Georgia Golightly Thompson further told JoyNews’ Emmanuel Dzivenu, “Later, I was called for counselling at the hospital. I was very alarmed, and I was devastated when the news was broken to me that Lisa had been diagnosed with stage 4 leukaemia, which happens to be cancer of the blood and bone marrow.”

Her condition requires urgent treatment, including a bone marrow transplant in South Africa. The cost? A staggering $100,000. For Lisa’s family, raising this amount seemed impossible. 

“I had started selling my assets, and it wasn’t getting anywhere. I had sold my little plot of land I had, but it still didn’t amount to anything,” Lisa’s mom indicated.

Desperation drove the family to social media, where they shared Lisa’s story in a heartfelt plea for help. The post quickly went viral, and the family’s prayers were answered when it reached the CEO of Engineers & Planners and Dzata Cement, Ibrahim Mahama.

Known for his philanthropic efforts, Mr. Mahama has pledged to cover the entire cost of Lisa’s treatment, including airfare for Lisa, her mother, and auntie, as well as a medical doctor to South Africa. 

Speaking on his behalf, Rafik Mahama, a special aide to Ibrahim Mahama, said, “Mr. Ibrahim Mahama doesn’t look at cost when it comes to saving somebody’s life. He gives those instructions that whatever it takes to save the person’s life, you go ahead and do it.

"So that’s why we didn’t look at the cost of it but made sure we got Lisa to South Africa and for her to go through the procedure. We have the doctors on standby and the nurse as well, and they’re even in touch with the family.” 

For Georgia and the rest of Lisa’s family, the relief was overwhelming.

Lisa’s aunt, who had tirelessly supported the family throughout this ordeal, expressed her gratitude as well.

Lisa is expected to leave for South Africa on Thursday, November 21, 2024. The family is optimistic that this is the turning point in their young daughter’s battle against cancer. 

However, Lisa’s journey is far from over, but her family is no longer fighting alone. Thanks to one man’s compassion, Lisa now has hope - a chance to survive, thrive, and one day become the paediatrician she dreams of being.