CHARITY FOCUS: KANU HEART FOUNDATION

Sportunes has dedicated Sundays to those athletes that have been able to offer support to the betterment of the human race. Last week we payed tributes to Dikembe Mutombo who has dedicated his time, energy an money to improve the health, education and quality of life for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (HERE) ... This week our charitable Athlete goes to Kanu Nwankwo.

Kanu Nwankwo (MON, OON)

Kanu Nwankwo is a former football player that needs no introduction in this part of the world. The Ex Super Eagles star is arguably the most decorated African footballer of all time. Papillo as he's fondly called was twice named African footballer of the year, He has 6 league titles to his name, three FA cups, one UEFA champions league, Olympic Gold medal among others.

After returning from the Olympics, Kanu underwent a medical examination at Inter, which revealed a serious heart defect; he underwent surgery in November 1996 to replace an aortic valve and did not return to his club until April 1997. Despite warnings that he would never play football again, Kanu made a full recovery after undergoing surgery in Cleveland, Ohio. 

The surgery gave him a second chance and inspired him to set up the Kanu Heart Foundation

The charity organisation was established on 21st July 2000 and it has metamorphosed into a colossus with great achievements both in local and international circles.

The primary aim of Kanu's foundation is to “put back smiles” to the faces of Nigerians and Africa’s “BLUE CHILDREN/YOUNG ADULTS” who suffer from various heart defects. The recipients include young children who would not survive to see their fifth birthdays without correctional procedures and many who would not live a normal life expectancy, without the surgery needed.

MISSION STATEMENT

'The goodwill generated by those who donate for these life threatening open – heart surgeries cannot be over emphasized as we owe gratitude to the Almighty God, the teaming Nigerians, Africans and Europeans, corporate bodies, government and various Agencies that have identified with this humanitarian venture of saving lives.'

As at May 2008 the foundation had carried out 452 open heart surgeries. All surgeries were done in foreign countries such as England, Israel, India, and Sudan.

Kanu Nwankwo is about to build a specialist hospital in Abuja purely to deal with heart matters, he said the hospital would treat children from ages zero to 12 free of charge no matter the level of infection.

Testimonials

“Mr Papillo, Im so impressed with this kind of helping organization, indeed u are a true ambassador to African Football wide and large… U are great Man. keep it up!!! i’ll like to be linked up with ur graphics and designing project.. Dignity Dele from Nigeria.”

Dignity Dele

“Americans say I WANNA BE LIKE MIKE (Micheal Jordan) But i am a Nigerian saying I WANNA BE LIKE KANU not in football skills BUT IN GIVING, how do i start giving the little i have now. KANU U ARE A GODLY MODEL OF LK 6:38″

Ogaga Maxwell

“I am amazed that we still have good people around who make do with the little they have for the good of the world. Please keep up the good work, Kanu. George M. Wyne,II Harper, Liberia”

George Wyne,II - Liberia

“I want to thank Kanu on behalf of 140 million Nigerians part of which he has been a saviour to. Words are not enough to say THANK YOU. It is only God that can reward you on our behalf”

Olajide Williams

“I’m impressed by your spirit, your mindset towards improving the lives of many. You don’t know the degree of what you are doing now. It takes time. My sincere prayer for those on the waiting list is grace to carry them through and break through”

Oluwafikayo Oyewale

God sees every little deed and will definitely repay your for your kindness, time and finances you have put in to bring smiles to many families. May God continually strengthen and bless you