Feranmi is a bright, cheerful 14-year-old girl in Nigeria. A former track runner, she dreams of being an accountant or a professional athlete (she has won medals for relay races). But Feranmi’s spine is crooked from scoliosis, which began when she was 12. Now, it’s a race against time: Feranmi needs a spinal fusion immediately. If the scoliosis isn’t corrected, the curvature in her spine will increase rapidly—along with more pain, deformity, and immobility. Soon she will be confined to a wheelchair. Although specialists were consulted in good time for an accurate diagnosis, Feranmi's parents can't afford the $6000 for corrective surgery and related expenses. Her health insurance plan doesn’t cover the surgery. For a couple of years now, Feranmi’s Mom has known that her daughter’s medical condition is rapidly worsening.

Feranmi’s parents have struggled in the last two years to pull the money together for the surgery. Her father lost his job and sustained a back injury. The mother has brought in all her income for the last four years, but the 6000 dollars needed for the surgery was an impossible family goal.
We, her friends in Canada, want to tell you that Feranmi comes from a loving family. She has two siblings. She’s proud of her past accomplishments. She wears a medal around her neck, one of her many school achievements as a Nigerian schoolgirl.

Together, let’s help Feranmi stand tall and get her life back.


Team Profile
Our names are Kemi, Erin, Christa , Funmi , Tayo, Benedicta and Fauzia. We are a team of community builders in Ontario, Canada, who dream of a normal life for a girl in Nigeria. Kemi is a Canadian public health researcher with experience as a medical doctor in Nigeria. Erin is a law clerk and volunteer extraordinaire with proven commitments to our local community. Christa is an adult educator who helps New Canadians settle in Ontario. Funmi is a researcher in Applied Mathematics department of University of Waterloo. Tayo is a professional accountant.  Benedicta is a social worker and volunteer supporting people with diverse needs. Fauzia is a community builder and an engaged citizen, passionately bringing people and groups together to build a welcoming, inclusive and safe community.