Tina

Tina is an inspirational girl who has grown so much in confidence since we first met her in 2020. Tina has a condition called Neurofibromatosis Type 1, with a plexiform tumour affecting her face and causing vision loss in her right eye. Unfortunately, due to the stigma associated with disabilities and medical needs in Ghana, Tina was told she was not allowed to go to school as she may “scare the other children”.

Working together with Childhood Tumour Trust and Linfa Neurofibromatosi, we explored options of medical treatment abroad and in 2022, Tina and her mother Elizabeth travelled to Italy for a comprehensive medical assessment. Tina has been residing in Italy since and she receives a pharmacological medication called Selumetinib, which works to reduce pain, prevent tumour growth, and in some cases promote tumour shrinkage.

We set up private tutoring for Tina in Ghana and were amazed at how quickly she picked up English and started learning to read and write and do maths. Since her time in Italy, Tina has gone from strength to strength, and she is now a more confident teenager attending school in Italy. She has a creative side and really enjoys arts and crafts and expresses an interest in fashion for her future.

To return to Our Family Care Project click here