My beloved wife Norah Ezenwanyi Nwokorie was diagnosed with kidney failure in September 2022. It was a journey I, my daughter Crystal, and our two sons Francis and Michael embarked with her — her many uncountable sleepless nights, numerous nightly cries and pain, 2–3 times weekly dialysis, her admissions to hospitals, clinics, laboratory tests.
The increasing rate of kidney failure in Nigeria, particularly amongst young people between the ages of 20–45, is alarming. Kidney failure is a wicked, extremely expensive illness. Patients without financial assistance usually pass away within 4–6 months of being diagnosed. I have personally witnessed patients who could not afford full payment for dialysis being denied treatment, including pre- and post-dialysis medications. Many dialysis centres are pure transaction centres — no money, no treatment is their mantra.
It is out of our personal experience that we formed the Norah Nwokorie Kidney Foundation. Together we can be a voice to the voiceless, and together we can save many lives.
