Family seeks N17m for three-month-old’s heart surgery

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A three-month-old baby, Adegbite Robiah, needs urgent corrective heart surgery estimated at N17m, with her family racing against a November deadline to raise the funds.

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Robiat, who was born on May 9, 2026, was diagnosed with a complex congenital heart defect after developing fast breathing.

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An echocardiography report from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, dated July 2, 2026, diagnosed the baby with a complete atrioventricular septal defect (balanced), Rastelli type A.

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The report also showed a large inlet ventricular septal defect, a large ostium primum atrial septal defect, an additional ostium secundum atrial septal defect and a patent ductus arteriosus.

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It further noted a cleft of the left atrioventricular valve with mild regurgitation, mild right atrioventricular valve regurgitation, dilated pulmonary arteries and a mild pericardial effusion.

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Robiah also has Trisomy 21, according to the medical report.

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The family is currently considering two treatment options.

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The cardiologist in LASUTH attending to the baby has recommended that she undergo surgery before she clocks six months on November 9.

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She recommended the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, where the estimated cost of the surgery is about N17m.

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Another option is a programme under the Kanu Heart Foundation for independent funders willing to foot the cost of treatment in India.

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“We are placed on a waiting list which is very far off. Alternatively, the family was given a consolidated estimate of about N14m, with a September target for the procedure,” the father, Abass Ayoife Adegbite, told our correspondent sharing copies of the break down of the fund.

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However, after almost two months of fundraising, the family has raised only about N900,000, leaving a substantial gap to the amount required for the surgery.

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The family is therefore appealing to well-meaning Nigerians, organisations, philanthropists and corporate bodies to help Robiat access the treatment before the recommended deadline.

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“All medical documents, including the echocardiography report, are available for verification by prospective donors,” the father added.

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PUNCH Online reports that with September identified as the target for one of the India treatment options and November 9 marking Robiat’s sixth month, the family is appealing for urgent support to bridge the funding gap and secure the baby’s surgery.

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The father pleaded, “We are appealing to Nigerians and kind-hearted people to come to our daughter’s aid. The doctors have told us that the surgery needs to be done before she turns six months. That means we do not have much time left. We are looking at September for one of the treatment options, but we have raised only about N900,000 so far.

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“As a father, it is heartbreaking to watch your child go through this and know that what she needs is beyond what you can afford. We are not asking people for anything other than help to give our daughter a chance to live.

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“The estimated cost is between N14m and N17m, depending on the treatment option. We are appealing to individuals, organisations, philanthropists and anyone who can help us raise the money. Every contribution, no matter how small, will bring us closer to saving her life.”

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The mother also called on Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to come to her daughter’s rescue.

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She said, “We are pleading with anyone in Nigeria or abroad who can help us not to ignore our daughter’s situation. We will be grateful for any support, whether financial or through an organisation that can help R get the surgery.”

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