Introduction

Imagine for a moment that your son or daughter is seriously ill — and that life-saving treatment exists, but you don’t know if you can afford to continue it. This is the reality facing Rabtude Oyewunmi and his family today.

My name is Bryan Schaaf. I had been wanting to improve my French and met my instructor Rabtude Oyewunmi through NaTakallam, a social enterprise that helps refugees and other persons affected by conflict find work as teachers, tutors, and translators. He's been an excellent teacher and helped me a lot.

On 2 December 2025, Rabtude received devastating news - his 13-year-old daughter Jemimah was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). She is currently receiving treatment at the National Hospital in Abuja, Nigeria. Despite everything she is facing, Jemimah remains hopeful and determined to return to school and continue her dreams. According to her, “AML may be part of my story, but it will not define my future.”

Her treatment is working — but it is long, intensive, and costly. Her mother has stopped working to care for her full-time. The family’s income has dropped sharply as medical bills continue to rise.

Jemimah is unable to attend school, but she studies at the hospital and at home. If her condition improves, she can take her tests at her school in a private room until her immune system is fully functional.

Treatment Plan, Costs & Urgency

Jemimah’s treatment is expected to last approximately two years. Below is a breakdown of the estimated monthly medical costs required to keep her life-saving treatment ongoing.

Monthly Treatment Costs

Atra: NGN 200,000 (≈ USD 145)

Eltrombopag tablets: NGN 460,000 (≈ USD 334)

Platelet concentrate + fresh blood: NGN 1,600,000 (≈ USD 1,163)

Levoc IV: NGN 45,000 (≈ USD 33)

Allopurinol: NGN 32,000 (≈ USD 23)

Virest: NGN 40,000 (≈ USD 29)

Flucamed: NGN 10,000 (≈ USD 7)

Prednisolone: NGN 10,000 (≈ USD 7)

Total monthly cost:

NGN 2,397,000 (≈ USD 1,743 per month) based on the exchange rate of 1375.22

Total Cost of Treatment (24 Months): NGN 57,528,000 (≈ USD 41,832)*

The family can contribute ≈ USD 5,474 from their savings which leaves a funding gap of USD 36,358. The treatment exists. Doctors are ready. What’s missing is sustained financial support.

This Is Solidarity, Not Charity

Please do not think of this as charity. Think of it as solidarity. Today it is Jemimah who needs help. Tomorrow, it could be any one of our children. By coming together, we can make sure Jemimah completes her treatment, returns to school, grows up, and goes on to do great things. There is so much that feels wrong in the world — this is a chance to make something right. Your contributions go to supporting: (1) Hospital and medical bills; (2) Chemotherapy and medications; and (3) Blood and platelet transfusions. Every donation means one more month of treatment, one more step toward recovery, and one more reason for hope.

Oversight and Accountability

Rabtude Oyewunmi is the beneficiary of the funds.

Donations are collected through Bryan who has over 20 years of experience in humanitarian assistance, including managing large contracts and cooperative agreements approved by the U.S. Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development.

NaTakallam will provide financial oversight including verification of contributions on a monthly basis.

Weekly updates will be shared by Bryan and Rabtude confirming funds received and transferred and providing updates on Jemimah’s treatment. All funds will be used exclusively for Jemimah’s medical treatment and care.

How You Can Help

1) Donate

2) Share this campaign

3) Follow the Updates

Every donation means one more step toward recovery. Together, we can help Jemimah complete her treatment and return to school, health, and hope.

About NaTakallam

NaTakallam is a social enterprise founded in 2015 that connects displaced and conflict-affected individuals with language learners and institutions around the world through online language tutoring, translation, and cultural exchange services. Their mission is to provide economic opportunities to refugees and displaced people by enabling them to earn income remotely through dignified, professional work. NaTakallam partners with universities, schools, companies, and individuals globally.

About Rabtude

Rabtude’s story is one of resilience, learning, and giving back. He grew up and studied in Côte d’Ivoire before moving to Nigeria in 2010 during political unrest. Teaching — especially French — became both his livelihood and his calling. He holds: (1) A BA in English Literature; and (2) an MA in linguistics. Since 2020, he has taught French, English, and Spanish online. Above all, Rabtude is a devoted father of three children aged 10 to 16.

About Bryan

Having children with chronic health conditions himself as well as a grandmother who had cancer, Bryan deeply empathizes with Rabtude and is committed to helping ensure sufficient funds are available to complete Jemimah’s treatment. Bryan began his career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Haiti (2000–2003). After earning a Master’s Degree in Public Health, he worked with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of State, and USAID. He has extensive experience managing large contracts and grants and is committed to transparency and accountability.

About Althea

Althea Gonzales has over nine years of experience working for the United Nations — more than five years in her home country, the Philippines, and since 2022 supporting the humanitarian response in Sudan, where she is currently based. She has been learning French with Rabtude since January 2025 and is committed to supporting this effort with integrity and care.