Africa-Press – Gambia. At just three years old, Ebrima Njie has endured more than many do in a lifetime. Diagnosed with eye cancer nearly 18 months ago, the boy from Jabang is now facing a dire prognosis as the disease spreads to his brain. With few medical options available locally, his family is turning to the public for help.
Ebrima’s ordeal began when his mother, Isatou Jeng, noticed unusual symptoms in his eye and rushed him to Kanifing General Hospital. Doctors quickly diagnosed a rare but serious condition—eye cancer, most likely retinoblastoma, a form that primarily affects young children and can present with signs such as a white spot in the eye, changes in vision, and eye swelling.
“They told me the treatment he needed wasn’t available in The Gambia,” Ms. Jeng said in an interview. “He would need to go abroad, because chemotherapy after surgery isn’t possible here.”
Following the initial diagnosis, the family traveled to Dakar, Senegal, where doctors recommended the removal of Ebrima’s affected eye. The surgery was performed successfully, and the toddler began a series of bi-weekly chemotherapy treatments. For a time, the outlook was hopeful—physicians told Ms. Jeng the cancer appeared to be in remission, though they scheduled regular follow-up exams to monitor his remaining eye.
But in recent weeks, new symptoms have emerged. Doctors have since confirmed the cancer has progressed and is now affecting Ebrima’s brain.
“They told me it’s spreading,” Ms. Jeng said, holding back tears. “We did a scan, and they prescribed medication, but his condition is getting worse.”
With treatment costs mounting and limited financial resources, Ms. Jeng and her family are making a heartfelt plea to the public for assistance.
“My boy keeps telling me, ‘I don’t want to die.’ That breaks my heart every time,” she said. “I am begging for support—anything that can help save his life.”
As Ebrima continues his battle, his family hopes their appeal will resonate with those who can offer financial support or help them access specialized care abroad.
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