Help Kofi Beat Cancer

Hi family and friends. It breaks my heart to bring to you, on April 17 of 2023, my husband Kofi Abban got diagnosed with Acute Stage 4 Lymphoma Cancer. Whether you know Kofi as family, a friend, a co-worker, a handyman, or a neighbor he is nothing but an amazing bundle of joy to everyone he meets. I'm sure he has touched your life in one way or the other.

 Kofi is a hardworking, fun, loving, and caring father to our four beautiful children, Faith, Kofi Jr, Joy and Grace and to anyone that comes into his life. We ask that you lift him in love and hold him deeply in your prayers.

My family has a journey ahead of us which will include countless doctor appointments, tests, imaging, chemo treatments and recovery. The path to healing can be very costly and we hope to take some of this burden off our shoulders with the help of our family members and friends so that we can focus entirely on Kofi's treatment and getting better.

Kofi was lately diagnosed with this horrible disease after countless visits to the doctor complaining of pain. Before the initial diagnosis, a series of tests, laps, and imaging has been done in March and April before leading to his diagnosis. He has undergone many scans, doctor's visits, and Emergency Room visits and now is fighting for his life.

Before Kofi was diagnosed with Acute Stage 4 lymphoma Cancer in April, he was seen several times by Kaiser CDU within the past 6 months for joint pain, hip pain, low back pain, shoulder pain, and loss of vision in his left eye. The doctors thought nothing of it and just prescribed his pain medications and discharge him home. He even went to see his ophthalmologist complaining of loss of vision to his left eye not realizing it was something bigger. He has been prescribed glasses and sent home as well.

It was later on that we found out everything happening to him was a result of his current diagnosis and multiple doctors failed to do the necessary tests needed to diagnose him sooner. On April 7th, we were referred to South Baltimore for further testing by interventional radiology. 

At this point, a bone biopsy was ordered to figure out the cause of his pain and to confirm indeed if he had cancer. We had to go home and wait. We had to wait for one whole week. I don't know which was worse, waiting for the results or hearing that my husband has cancer. We did everything within our power to stay busy but it was difficult not knowing what to expect.

 Then the time finally came and it was a Monday where we had to meet with the oncologist. The hallway to the doctor's office felt so long and never-ending.

 For a moment, it felt like everything stopped. My stomach was going to burse with nerves. Thankfully with the help of family, my sister was right there was us as she accompanied us to that appointment. The Doctor walked into the room I could see the fear on my husband's face. I could hear my husband breathing, with fear and anxiety not knowing what to expect.

The doctor laid everything on the table and told us what stage of cancer he has and our treatment options. At this point due to how advanced the cancer has metastasis, spreading throughout his entire body, there was only one form of treatment available to us at this time.

 Aggressive Chemo Therapy five days a week every 22 days. With daily injections to take home on day 6 after every Chemo Treatment for 7 days. Followed by labs two days before every Chemo Treatment and labs after every Chemo Treatment.

May 1st was the start of Kofi's grueling battle with Chemo Therapy. Thankfully, he has an incredible team of doctors and family members supporting and cheering for him. Kofi will be receiving ChemoTheraphy 5 days a week every 22 days at this time and will now need to have follow-up visits and further tests.

The sudden diagnosis has caused an extreme life shift for my family as we navigate this road together while remaining united and strong for our four beautiful children. Kofi is the primary breadwinner for our family and he has always worked hard to help support our family.  

If you know Kofi, then you know his number one priority is making sure his family is taken care of. Kofi's ability to work like before has been impacted due to his illness and we need your support to assist with costs such as childcare, living expenses, medical bills, and unknown future costs.

The reality is that the treatments are not only physically and emotionally draining but also financially crippling.

Because of Kofi's strong spiritual and religious beliefs, Kofi has kept a positive outlook and is appreciative and overwhelmed with gratitude for the support from everyone.

During this difficult time, we rely heavily on the support from our family and friends to help with balancing day-to-day life while we navigate treatments, appointments and the unknown.

We appreciate anything you can do to help us. In the meantime, we will keep our hopes up and keep trusting in God that everything will work for His good.

Thank you for your support 

Victorine Abban