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For those that haven’t heard of a killer disease called Steven Johnson Syndrome, 25 year old Fadesola Adedayo embarked on a 17-day marathon to spread awareness after his brother died from the disease in 2012.
His older brother Adeyosola Adedayo, a medical doctor trained in the University of Birmingham moved back to Nigeria to help provide free medical services to people suffering from HIV.
Four years ago, Adeyosola saw blood on his hands after treating an HIV patient. Unfortunately, he reacted severely to the antibiotics he took to prevent HIV infection. He died two weeks after from SJS and he was only 27 years old.
Although Fadesola was heartbroken by his brother’s death, he began running to help with his depression. The civil engineer decided to create awareness and also raise $1 million research funds for the disease during the course of his 17-day marathon.
Steven John’s Syndrome is usually caused by a severe reaction to antibiotics which causes the skin layers to detach . It is a life-threatening disease that starts with a red rash on the limbs and face.
He began the race on May 13 in Abuja and completed it at Gani Fawehinmi Park in Lagos after running 44km everyday. He was received by Governor Ambode who assured him of Lagos state’s readiness to boost awareness of the disease.
Fadesola’s efforts have been recognised by Bia Live Well, MSF-Doctors Without Borders and Canada politician, David Miller. Nigerian medical research organisations should use this avenue to carry out adequate research so that this disease doesn’t claim more Nigerian lives.
At a point in life, people tend to aspire to greater things and leave positive marks in the sands of time. In doing this, they will never be forgotten in history.
42 year old Omotayo Okunsanya has become the first Nigerian man to complete a marathon race across Antarctica.
Inspired by some Nigerian women like Tee Morgan, who had earlier accomplished the feat and set the record, Omotayo endured running under very erratic temperature conditions , mud gravel and sleet in Antarctica.
At 40, he had risen through the ranks, obtained an MBA degree from Harvard, became a certified Financial Analyst and also a Managing Director at Jefferies, an American investment bank.
Taking a step back, he decided to give back to society and running for charity was the medium he chose to achieve his dream.
He has raised over $20,000 from the 10 marathons he has run. Some of the charity organizations include Red Cross, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Shoes 4 Africa and the VICTA.
Raising awareness for children in need is the main focus of his charity runs.
He aspires to run across all seven continents of the world and his next stop is Kilimanjaro.
This is an inspiration to become the best one can in life and also consider the ones that are not as opportuned as we may be.
