Madumere Emmanuel Ugonna, pictured above, has learned the answer to this the hard way.
Driven by a desire to help others, Emmanuel dreamed of becoming a doctor and serving others in his community. Emmanuel was recently accepted to enroll in medical training at a university in his native Nigeria, with an outstanding academic record that signified his commitment to his goals. A bright future lay ahead of him.
Then came the request that would change his life forever.
An elderly neighbor needed help setting up her television. Emmanuel and a friend, Uchenna were more than happy to help her, and began to try to make the connections work.
Something went horribly wrong. The equipment they were trying to connect the television to fell, shocking Emmanuel and his friend with electricity and leaving both of them with second and third degree burns over their bodies.
Emmanuel's left arm was destroyed, burned beyond the ability of doctors to salvage it. It had to be amputated. The other arm became infected, and slowly it became clear that that Emmanuel would lose that one as well. It too, was amputated. Now the boy who would be a doctor cannot even feed himself or use the bathroom by himself.
Emmanuel's friend, Uchenna, was also burned, with injuries requiring amputation.
Not only have these bright boys had their dreams shattered, they face a lifetime of ongoing medical care that their families cannot afford. The cost for prosthetic arms for Emmanuel is out of reach at well over $80,000 USD, and this does not even begin to address the needs the will have for future hospital visits, prosthetic adjustments and assistance with basic needs such as hygiene and daily care.
God in his infinite wisdom has led you to this page. If you would please find it in your heart to take a moment to make a donation to help defray the medical expenses these boys face, it would help to brighten the lives of two boys who are facing a daunting future after giving of themselves to help a neighbor with a good deed.
May the Lord keep you and bless you. Please remember Emmanuel and Uchenna in your prayers.