- A
- L
According to doctors, "There has never been anyone like Koffa in medical literature, leading us to believe that Koffa may be the only person in this physical condition in the world."
This GoFundMe is to urgently medically evacuate Koffa Swen from Liberia to Ghana to save his life. The plane and doctors are ready to receive Koffa as soon as funds are received. Every second counts.
I'm Tuzee and I am Koffa's sister. Two weeks ago, Koffa went to the hospital complaining of cramps in his arms and legs. He was given a shot of diazepam that has now proved to be life threatening for him.
Koffa was born with hypothyroidism and no pituitary gland, and the diazepam, which slows down the nervous system has sent his body into a Myxedema coma, a life‑threatening state caused by his severe thyroid deficiency. The only treatment that may be able to stabilize him is levothyroxine injections, but these are not available in Liberia.
Without immediate evacuation, his chances of survival are dangerously low. Koffa’s condition is already extraordinary — leaving him unable to produce essential hormones like thyroid, adrenal, growth hormone, and testosterone. Despite his resilience, he now needs emergency specialized care. We are racing against time to raise funds for his medical evacuation so he can receive the treatment that could save his life.
Anyone who knows Koffa knows how extraordinarily special and fun he is. In this moment, we hope to give to him what he constantly gives to us with his zest and joy for the world. Please join us in the fight to save Koffa's life.
Breakdown of costs:
- Flying Doctors Nigeria - $58,500 USD (approx. $81,000 CAD)
- Deposit to The Bank Hospital in Accra Ghana - $10000 USD - (approx. $13,858 CAD)
- Total Amount: $94,854 CAD or $68,446USD
Some facts about Koffa:
- Koffa was in the USA for medical treatment
- At 38 years, Koffa's growth plates were still open, which is unheard of for an adult male.
- The doctor's did not understand why he was alive, especially in such good health, with little to no essential hormones.
- Koffa's doctor was Dr. Kenneth Copeland, OU Children's Physician Group, a foremost expert on human growth in the United States
- Koffa produces 0 thyroid hormone. As a result, he has to take a thyroid pill every day for the rest of his life.
- Koffa suffers from hypopituitarism, this diagnosis was confirmed by both an extensive blood test and an MRI. It means that his pituitary gland is not fully developed. The pituitary gland is the master gland for the body.
- He also produces very little adrenal hormone. The adrenal glands are chiefly responsible for releasing hormones in conjunction with stress
- His body will not produce the necessary hormones that will help his body overcome any type of stress. By stress he does not mean worry, but rather stress to the body itself, like a surgery, broken bone, or even a bad flu that involves severe vomiting. Any situation like this could be life threatening to Koffa, unless he takes a dose of cortizone.
- Koffa also has virtually no calcium or vitamin D levels in his system.
- Koffa also has 0 testosterone.
- Despite all this, Koffa has lead an incredible life, working as an electrician in both the USA and Liberia.