Debbie before her cancer diagnosis
The negative sides of social media has been put under spotlight since the news of Cynthia Okusogu’s made way to the Internet who met her untimely death after meeting face to face with some friends she met on Facebook. However, social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter are also a massive tool for doing good in society as has been illustrated by cancer patient, Osarere Idiagbonya.
Through Facebook and Twitter, Davido has been able to raise up to N6 million for her breast cancer surgery at the Maryland Teaching Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A.
Her friend, Michella Johnathan spearheaded a social media campaign on her behalf on Blackberry Messenger and Twitter.
“I posted her pictures and her scanned medical documents on the BBM and Twitter and Facebook. I also contacted bloggers like Linda Ikeji, Ladun Liadi, Olori Supergal and some others about it.
“Initially the responses from people were not encouraging. They thought it was a scam and insulted me on the various sites,” she said.
However, some of those who visited Idiagbonya at her residence to confirm the story spoke to Nigerian rapper, Ruggedman, about it and he visited her too.”
According to her, “Ruggedman’s photograph with Idiagbonya, which captured his sad mood when he visited her at home, really helped in raising the funds. “It was used on the social media together with the video clip and it helped dispel rumours that the fund appeal was a lie.”
Other Nigerian celebrities such as Davido, Mo’cheedah and Don Jazzy soon made donations.
Till date, about N6 million has been raised which Davido would be using for her surgery.
According to her, “When I was diagnosed with full blown cancer, it was like the whole world was crashing on me. I wondered where the help would come from.
“My father whom I had hoped would support me financially had stroke before I went for the second surgery to remove lumps on my left breast.
“My friends and other close relations had to rally round to raise the fund for surgery at the time. I was sacked from work after my first surgery.
“But, I appreciate Nigerians who learnt about my predicament on the social media and rose to my aid. They have been so good to me and I cannot thank them enough.”
Debbie’s story shows the positive power of social media to change people’s lives for the better.
This story was copied from CP-Africa.
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