TRUE COLOURS: HELP US KEEP ADESEWA’S LEGACY ALIVE

ADESEWA AME SENBANJO (December 21, 2001 – February 5, 2021)

The COVID-19 lockdown brought Adesewa back home from her freshman year at university. Adjusting to life at home was challenging after experiencing newfound independence. Turning inward, she began writing fiction and fantasy stories, publishing them on her Facebook page, Adesewa The Writer. By age 18, she had completed her first book, immersing herself in her writing to such an extent that it concerned her family. Her eagerness to keep her readers engaged led her to sacrifice sleep in order to complete scripts and stories.

During this time, Adesewa developed a peculiar facial swelling, initially treated as an allergy. However, the condition persisted, and a general hospital’s tests were inconclusive. The lockdown exacerbated the difficulty of accessing specialized medical care.

One night, her breathing became alarmingly labored. The family doctor advised an immediate hospital visit after examining her. Adesewa was taken to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) at 2:00 AM, but was asked to return in a week. Her condition worsened, prompting another urgent visit to the hospital.

This time, a conscientious doctor ensured a cardiologist examined her. The diagnosis was dire: fluid around her heart and lungs necessitated emergency surgery, allowing her some relief. Despite a twelve-week stay in which fluids were repeatedly drained, the underlying issue remained unresolved, prompting a referral to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) in Osun State, Nigeria.

Given her dependency on oxygen, a private ambulance transported her to OAUTHC. The medical team promptly diagnosed her with intra-cardiac lymphoma, a rare heart cancer. Surgery was deemed too risky, so chemotherapy was initiated. Sadly, despite these efforts, Adesewa passed away on February 5, 2021, at just 19 years old.

Adesewa left an enduring legacy with her artwork, writings, and creative endeavors. Her positive spirit was encapsulated in a note on her bedroom door: “LET YOUR TRUE COLOUR SHINE!” A fervent supporter of BMAN, an initiative nurturing creativity in youth, she volunteered regularly until her passing. Now, BMAN honors her memory through the TRUE COLOURS program, launched on her posthumous birthday, December 21, 2022. This initiative aids children battling cancer, with annual outreach efforts beginning February 2023.

We invite you to support the TRUE COLOURS initiative. Our goal is to raise $96,921 to fund these essential programs, providing medication and chemotherapy support to families in need. Join us in making a difference by contributing through this secure link: