When Opio was given the first donation of UGX 493,000 ($134), he asked that all the money, be given to his mother because her situation was more life-threatening than his and deserved it more.
This is one story that purges into many emotions. The imagination and feeling that two souls are in immense pain, yet at the same time struggling to heal each other. This is a story that strikes a certain deeper part of one’s sensations.
Patrick Opio was a promising sportsman with dreams of making it big on the sporting arena. But one day, while playing soccer during a practice session, he injured himself. The injury left him disabled and hospitalized. Not only is he disabled, he is also unemployed.
His only hope for care, is his ailing mother, Naomi Achayo, who is battling breast cancer but must not only take care of herself but also her incapacitated son.
Now, as the country is healing from the coronavirus pandemic, the two family members have been stuck in hospital and seeking help from well-wishers.
Overwhelmed during the Lockdown, Opio chose to reach out to his friend and philanthropist, Santa Adoch, asking for any help she might have. Sadly, Adoch could not be of much help because Gulu District, was among the border districts that still faced restrictions on movement after the partial lift on the lockdown in June, due to the increase in the number of coronavirus cases. But she instead offered to reach out to friends and well-wishers, and she did.
“I’m not a journalist and therefore, may not give a clear picture of what my friend Patrick Opio went through and is still going through,” she started. “Patrick is living with a disability, his mother who is also getting chemotherapy at Mulago Hospital, can't afford food, medication, let alone the transport fair to Kampala which has doubled; the two don't have a stable source of income.”
Hope
Adoch had shared the plight of Opio and his mother, which attracted the attention of the press. They (press) sought out the duo for interviews.
A freelance journalist, Joseph Omagor was among those who highlighted the uncomfortable and painful spectacle at the hospital. And this helped mirrored what was happening to Opio and his mother. Soon, their story attracted philanthropic Ugandans from as far as Canada. When Opio was given the first donation of UGX 493,000 ($134), he asked that all the money, be given to his mother because her situation was more life-threatening than his and deserved it more.
“This money was sent by a person called Walter, from his friend who lives in Canada. We were touched when Patrick Opio instead decided to hand all the money to the woman who has been taking care of him - his mother!” an overwhelmed Omagor told us.
Just like the adage goes, “not all heroes wear caps” Opio is already a hero predisposed on a hospital bed. The fundraising drive that was initiated, has managed to raise about UGX 1million ($270) but they need more. They continue to request the good folks out there, to share any help they can, through the telephone numbers below:
Santa Adoch- +256-788-020-612
Amito Specioza- +256-780-856-032
By CivSource Team