In a heartwarming gesture of solidarity and compassion, the founder of GhanaFest SA Mavis Anim Mensah-Pah and Committee member Mathew Mensah, along with Gh Hyper and L&J Foods—renowned winners of Jollof Wars SA—visited the Wits Donald Gordon Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Friday, December 14.
The team met with the family of 10-year-old Lisa Naa Laryea, a vibrant young girl diagnosed with stage 4 leukaemia, to show their support and offer comfort during this challenging time.
Lisa’s parents, Georgia Golightly Laryea Thompson and her family, received an assortment of Ghanaian homegrown meals and other thoughtful goodies from the visiting team. The gesture is part of a collective effort to support the family during their six-month stay in South Africa for Lisa’s critical treatment.
Mrs. Mavis Anim Mensah-Pah, Founder of GhanaFest SA, expressed gratitude to the hospital’s medical team for their exceptional care but emphasized the seriousness of Lisa’s condition. “The situation is very critical, but Lisa is receiving the best care from the doctors and nurses here. She needs all the prayers and well-wishes of Ghanaians to help her through this battle,” she said.
The team reassured the family of their continued support, promising to stand by them throughout their stay. They also praised the philanthropic intervention of businessman Ibrahim Mahama, whose generosity has been instrumental in giving Lisa a fighting chance.
A Lifeline from Ibrahim Mahama
Lisa’s journey to Johannesburg for emergency medical care was made possible by Ibrahim Mahama, CEO of Engineers & Planners and Dzata Cement, who covered all expenses. Three weeks ago, Mr. Mahama stepped in to fund Lisa’s bone marrow transplant and other treatments after her family’s desperate plea for help went viral on social media.
Rafik Mahama, a special aide to Ibrahim Mahama, explained the businessman’s unwavering commitment to saving Lisa’s life. “Mr. Ibrahim Mahama doesn’t look at cost when it comes to saving lives. His priority is ensuring the person gets the best care, no matter the expense,” he said.
The generous intervention has brought immense relief to Lisa’s family, who had struggled to raise the $100,000 required for her treatment. Lisa’s mother, Georgia, recounted the challenges they faced, including selling personal assets in a bid to afford the life-saving procedure. “I had sold my plot of land, but it still wasn’t enough,” she said, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support they’ve received so far.
Lisa’s Story: A Battle for Life and Dreams
Lisa, a student of Lerato Preparatory and JHS in Lartebiokorshie, was known for her love of books and her dream of becoming a paediatrician. However, her world changed on October 31, 2024, when symptoms of what seemed like a cold turned into a devastating diagnosis of stage 4 leukaemia.
Her condition requires urgent and specialized treatment, including a bone marrow transplant. Despite the odds, Lisa and her family remain hopeful that this intervention will mark the turning point in her battle against cancer.
As the family settles into Johannesburg for the long road ahead, they are buoyed by the kindness of individuals like Ibrahim Mahama and organizations such as GhanaFest SA. This collective support not only underscores the strength of community but also renews hope that Lisa can achieve her dream of becoming a paediatrician and inspiring others with her story of resilience and triumph.
Lisa’s family continues to appeal for prayers and well-wishes from Ghanaians and the global community as they navigate this challenging journey.
