BEYOND BURNS INTERNATIONAL MAKES A CASH DONATION TO MATILDA’S FAMILY
On the night of 7th July 2023, sixteen-year-old Matilda Oduro became a victim of a devastating fire outbreak that resulted from frequent power outages at their residence in Mamobi, Accra. The fire resulted in the death of her younger sister and left Matilda with severe burns covering 21% of her body. One year on, her wounds have still not healed completely and she is in dire need of a skin graft. Matilda is also unable to walk without the Zimmer frame. The fire had stood between Matilda and her basic education certificate examinations (B.E.C.E) last year. This year, she determined to write the examination that would be a big determinant in the realization of her dream to be a lawyer. Matilda shared her sad story with Joy News at her school, St. Kizoto Roman Catholic School in Mamobi.
Upon hearing the news, the founder of Beyond Burns International, Judith Cato Addison, who is also a burns survivor, said she could relate to Matilda’s story because she also, had had to go back to school after her accident, in bandages. She added that she understands the struggles associated with social reintegration after burns in children.
On the 4th of August, 2024 a team from Beyond Burns International, paid a visit to Matilda at Mamobi to learn more about her condition. Matilda’s mother recounted the difficulty with raising funds to support her daughter’s treatment. She added that after Matilda’s discharge from the hospital, she mostly dressed Matilda’s remaining wounds at home due to financial constraints. Matilda’s physiotherapy sessions had also been put on hold for the same reason.
Beyond Burns International made a cash donation of GHC 1000 to the family with a promise to gather funds quickly to assist her in doing her skin graft as well as pursue further surgical interventions necessary for her full recovery. Founder of Beyond Burns International, Judith Cato Addison, lamented the need for equal access to quality health care regardless of the socio-economic status of the individual. The family expressed their gratitude for the kind gesture, adding that this was the first time anyone had reached out since the news broke out on Joy News.