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3 Contents Welcome Year in Reflection 04 08 12 42 Advancing Brain Tumor Awareness in Ghana The Hand of God How One Journey Sparked a Movement Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation
4 Welcome totheFirstAnniversary Gala of the Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation—a night devoted to hope, unity, and transformative action. This past year has been one of immense learning, growth, and resilience. Balancing personal recovery with the operational demands of the foundation has tested every part of me — physically, emotionally, and mentally. Fundraising has been particularly challenging, as neurosurgery remains one of the most resource-intensive areas of healthcare. Yet through it all, the purpose has remained clear: to make access to quality neurosurgical care in Ghana a reality. Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation - Year in Reflection D Z I D Z O D E I - T U T U
5 Recovery has been a gradual process. I continue to attend physical therapy while managing insomnia — a lingering side effect of multiple surgeries. My doctors have encouraged a natural recovery approach,whichmeans resting in intervals rather than relying on medication. These experiences have deepened my empathy for patients and strengthened my resolve to ensure others receive the care they need. From a programmatic standpoint, this year revealed the true scale of the work before us — far larger than one person or a young foundation can manage alone. Ghana has only 27 neurosurgeons serving a population of about 36 million people. The need is staggering, and most patients cannot afford treatment. A single surgery costs roughly 130,000 Ghana cedis (around $13,000 USD), excluding scans and post-operative care. To date, we have supported five patients and currently have ten patients registered for assistance. GBTF is fully volunteer-led, with no paid staff. Patients are referred through word of mouth and undergo a registration and screening process. To ensure transparency, we never provide direct cash assistance; instead, we pay hospitals and verified medical facilities directly. Recognizing that direct surgical sponsorships alone are not sustainable, we shifted our focus toward strategic partnerships and capacity building. This year, we successfully shipped and delivered two neurosurgical operating microscopes to Ghana — one to Accra Medical Centre and another to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Thesemicroscopes are vital tools that will enable local surgeons to perform complex brain procedures safely and efficiently. Dr. Totimeh and Dr. Bankah were very instrumental in the process of acquiring these machines. The logistics of clearing and delivering the equipment were complex, but with support from partners, we completed the process successfully. The delivery attracted national media coverage and represented a significant advancement for neurosurgical care in Ghana. Another milestone is our emerging collaboration with Mission Brain, a global neurosurgical initiative that provides surgical expertise, training, and equipment to underserved regions. Through these early discussions, we are beginning to shape our focus for the coming year. The project will require funding to cover operational costs such as provisional medical licenses, local setup, and logistical support for visiting medical professionals. To that end, the foundation is raising $50,000 to support the Mission Brain initiative and ensure the successful execution of upcoming surgical missions in Ghana. Our goal is to close the gap through community giving, corporate partnerships, and campaigns around Giving Tuesday and the Thanksgiving season. Thisyearhasreinforcedanimportanttruth: real impact comes through collaboration. Sending medical equipment, building local capacity, and partnering with experienced organizations like Mission Brain represent the most effective and sustainable ways to advance neurosurgical care in Ghana. Despite every challenge — from funding constraints to personal health — my motivation remains the same: to ensure that no patient is left without care simply because they cannot afford it. The stories of survival, hope, and resilience continue to remind me why this work matters. Each life saved, each patient restored, is a step toward a stronger, more equitable healthcare system in Ghana.
7 Our mission is to make a lasting impact in the fight against brain tumors by: • Providing financial support for brain tumor treatment in Ghana. • Improving, extending, and saving lives affected by tumor diagnoses. • Collaborating with healthcare providers to advance treatment and research. • Promoting advocacy and awareness through outreach and education. • Engaging in fundraising activities to sustain and expand these efforts. Patient Focused: We finance exceptional healthcare for individuals impacted by brain tumors. Results Driven: We set ambitious goals, drive positive change, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful outcomes. Public Trust: We are prudent stewards of donors’ funds, operating the foundation with transparency, efficiency, and integrity. Collaborative: We work closely with partners, medical institutions, and organizations to advance our shared mission. Positive Attitude: We believe a can-do spirit and optimism are essential for overcoming challenges and creating lasting impact. MISSION OUR VALUES
8 I am pleased to be the keynote speaker at the 1st Anniversary Gala of the Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation. Brain cancer awareness is increasing worldwide thanks to improvements in diagnostics, ongoing research, and advocacy efforts in North America, Europe, and Asia. Yet, little attention has been given to Ghana and Africa to improve outcomes for brain tumor patients. Advocacy for brain tumors in Ghana and across Africa is still in its infancy. Dzidzo Dei-Tutu, a brain tumor survivor and founder of the Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation (GBTF), is committed to bringing hope and healing to patients and families affected by these diseases in Ghana and Africa. Through awareness campaigns, fundraising, and partnerships with hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, NGOs, and governments, GBTF is working to improve quality of life and advance treatment options. I encourage you to support Dzidzo Dei-Tutu in this vital mission to raise awareness, fund research, and find cures for brain tumors in Ghana and Africa. Advancing Brain Tumor Awareness in Ghana
9 Ekokobe Fonkem, DO Chief of Neuro-oncology, Banner MD Anderson & Vice Chair of Neurology, University of Arizona, Phoenix Co-founder & Treasurer, Society of Neuro-oncology, Sub-Saharan Africa (SNOSSA) Founding Member, Brain Tumor Consortium of Africa (BTCA)
10 spotlight When it comes to bringing energy, connection, and heart to the Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation (GBTF), Nana Sarpong is in his element. His journey with the Foundation started personally—through the story of his friend Jejo, from the early headaches and diagnosis to surgery, recovery, and the birth of GBTF itself. Watching that journey unfold, Nana knew he had to get involved. “It was almost natural,” he says. “Jejo’s vision, his daily passion and perseverance—it inspired me to be part of the Gala.” As a hospitality professional, Nana thrives on connecting with people. Empathy isn’t just part of his job— it’s who he is. Meeting people where they are, helping them navigate solutions, and using his voice for awareness has been his calling. With limited resources in Ghana, especially in neurosurgery, he sees GBTF’s mission as urgent and essential. “My role is to be visible, to be a voice, to curate stories that shine a light on what’s possible,” he shares. And when it comes to rallying support, Nana has one simple message: “I implore everyone to support the Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation. This is a rare disease, often forgotten. Patients need financial support, hospitals need resources—and this Foundation is making both possible. It’s a long journey, and you can come along. Please do!” Nana’s energy, compassion, and dedication make him more than an MC—he’s a true ambassador for the cause, bringing people together, one story at a time. Meet Nana Sarpong MC | Voice of GBTF
11 I implore everyone to support the Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation. This is a rare disease, often forgotten. Patients need financial support, hospitals need resources—and this Foundation is making both possible. It’s a long journey, and you can come along. Please do! “
12 Founded in 2024, the Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation (GBTF) is a bold and compassionate force for change—advocating for brain tumor awareness, equitable care, and surgical funding across Ghana. Our mission is clear: to ensure that underprivileged patients gain access to life-saving treatments and the latest global advancements in neurosurgery. Impact in Our First Year In just one year, GBTF has: • Impacted patients, helping those with limited financial means afford brain tumor surgery and care. • Delivered two neurosurgical operating microscopes to Ghana’s leading institutions—Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and Accra Medical Centre—dramatically improving surgical precision and outcomes. • Conducted global web awareness campaigns to promote early detection and reduce stigma • Achieved a surgical success rate of over 60% for funded procedures— bringing hope where it was once scarce Emerging Transformative Global Partnerships American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) Together, GBTF and ABTA will expand educational programs, caregiver support, and advocacy across Ghana and neighboring countries. Through joint fundraising and sponsorships, we will advance: • Early detection education • Research funding for Ghanaian and U.S. clinicians • Access to cutting-edge treatments like liquid biopsy and immunotherapy Emerging Collaboration with U.S. Neurosurgeons We will launch clinical exchanges with leading American neurosurgeons and institutions, including: • Visiting surgical teams for complex cases • Training programs for Ghanaian surgeons • Donations of advanced neurosurgical equipment • Telehealth clinics and workshops on brain tumor resection techniques Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation A New Era in Neuro-Care
13 These efforts will foster international friendships and build lasting clinical partnerships. Mission Brain Our work with Mission Brain will reflect a shared commitment to global health equity. Their support will enable: Surgical missions and equipment donations Public health outreach in underserved communities Logistical coordination for high-impact interventions Stanford University Stanford’s cutting-edge research into glioblastoma and other brain tumors will help GBTF bring advanced diagnostics and therapies to Ghana. Our collaboration will include: Joint research on drug development and clinical trials Global health education for Ghanaian professionals Testing emerging therapies for low-resource settings Looking Ahead GBTF is just getting started. These partnerships will mark the beginning of a new era—one where “everyone, everywhere, has equal value.” By connecting Ghana to global neuro-oncology leaders, we will build a future where geography and income will no longer determine access to care.
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18 spotlight Bonsu Osei Tutu’s journey with The Brain Tumor Foundation began in an unexpected yet deeply impactful way. In November 2023, while attending a close friend’s 50th birthday celebration in Houston, Bonsu met Jejo, a fellow attendee. Seated next to each other, their casual conversation soon turned into an emotional discussion about Jejo’s recent brain surgery and recovery journey. That conversation stayed with Bonsu, and when he later learned that Jejo, along with their mutual connection Mansa Agyare, was spearheading an initiative to raise awareness about brain tumors in Ghana, Bonsu knew he had to be involved. He joined the very next call and has been a committed supporter ever since. Bonsu’s inspiration to support Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation is deeply personal. About a decade ago, his sister — a doctor in Ghana — was misdiagnosed with a brain tumor after a CT scan showed concerning results. Thankfully, she was able to travel to the United States for further evaluation at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where it was determined that the initial diagnosis was incorrect due to outdated imaging equipment in Ghana. This experience opened Bonsu’s eyes to the critical gaps in access to accurate medical technology in parts of the world. He recognized the importance of early detection and accurate diagnosis — and understood the profound impact organizations like Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation could have in addressing these issues. Meet Bonsu Osei Tutu Senior Program Manager, Executive Supply Chain Strategy Advocate for Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation
19 Every bit counts. Whether you give your time, your skills, or your resources, you can make a real difference. We all have something to offer — and when we do, we become part of something bigger than ourselves. “
20 Bonsu’s professional journey reflects his dedication to service and impactful leadership. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Ghana, he served in the U.S. Army for over 25 years before transitioning to a civilian career. A Senior Program Manager specializing in Executive Supply Chain Strategy, Bonsu has used his experience to lead complex initiatives with precision and purpose. He holds an MBA with a concentration in Supply Chain Management, which has enabled him to leverage his platform for causes he deeply believes in, like the mission of Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation. In his current role, Bonsu has already made significant strides in supporting GBTF’s mission. He recently sponsored the Foundation for inclusion in Microsoft’s Benevity Program, successfully nominating GBTF to receive direct support from over 220,000 Microsoft employees worldwide. Additionally, he hosted a virtual town hall to raise awareness among employees about GBTF’s goals and financial needs, further expanding the foundation’s visibility. Looking ahead, Bonsu is committed to continuing this work — hosting annual events during Microsoft’s global Month of Giving and fostering sustainable corporate and individual engagement to help advance the mission of GBTF. For Bonsu, giving back isn’t about ticking a box or doing a good deed — it’s a responsibility. He believes that when life gives you access and opportunity, you owe it to others to help open those same doors. As he puts it, “Supporting organisations like GBTF isn’t just about charity — it’s about dignity, fairness, and saving lives that might otherwise be lost because of circumstance.” His message to others is clear and grounded: “Every bit counts. Whether you give your time, your skills, or your resources, you can make a real difference. We all have something to offer — and when we do, we become part of something bigger than ourselves.” Bonsu Osei Tutu’s commitment to service and leadership reflects what’s possible when compassion meets action and community takes centre stage.
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26 With Gratitude from Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation (GBTF) We’re proud to announce the successful delivery of two advanced neurosurgical operating microscopes to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and Accra Medical Centre — a major step forward for brain tumor care in Ghana. This achievement was made possible through the tireless efforts, generosity, and faith of many. From navigating complex logistics to managing local delivery, each contribution played a vital role. A special thank-you to Rev. Comfort Adzo Tutu, whose timely support ensured a smooth delivery. Together, we’re advocating, equipping, and transforming lives. #GBTF #BrainTumorAwareness #Neurosurgery #HopeInAction #Ghana
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28 spotlight Meet ML Brookshire Eghan Communications Executive | Serial Entrepreneur | Brand Marketing Strategist ML Brookshire Eghan first learned about the Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation (GBTF) through an Akora sisterfriend in Maryland who recognised her deep passion for mental health advocacy and community healing. As the CEO and Founder of Clubhouse Ghana, a mental health rehabilitation centre dedicated to restoring dignity, confidence, and purpose to individuals affected by mental illness, ML immediately connected with GBTF’s mission. “When I discovered that GBTF was championing brain tumor surgeries for underprivileged patients, I felt an immediate sense of kinship,” she says. “Healing—whether of the mind or brain—is both a medical and moral calling.” For ML, supporting the Foundation stems from its human-centred urgency. She believes brain tumours don’t just threaten lives— they also disrupt families, finances, and faith. What inspires her most is GBTF’s commitment to making advanced neurosurgery accessible to those who would otherwise have no chance. “Health equity,” she emphasises, “is a social justice issue.” ML’s professional journey spans corporate, creative, and humanitarian spaces. Beyond her leadership of Clubhouse Ghana, she also runs two Houston-based ventures—ML4Lyfe, LLC and THRIVE, LLC—under the umbrella
29 of the ML4Lyfe Group. Yet, across every role, one purpose remains constant: advancing human well-being. Her experience in communications and storytelling drives her vision for GBTF’s next chapter. “I want to help amplify the Foundation’s message, connect emotion with evidence, and turn awareness into action,” she says. “Through strategic storytelling and partnerships, GBTF can stand as Ghana’s trusted voice in neurosurgical equity.” When asked about giving back, ML offers a profound reminder: “Giving back isn’t charity—it’s continuity. A cause doesn’t have to touch your home before it touches your heart. Every act of support, no matter how small, becomes part of the chain of hope that saves lives and restores futures.”
30 Kojo “Diggy” Donkor first became involved with the Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation two years ago, after his close friend Jejo was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Deeply moved by Jejo’s story and his vision to create a foundation that would support people in Ghana without access to the same level of medical care, Kojo immediately got involved. Since then, he has remained one of the Foundation’s most active supporters. “The same principles that guided Jejo to start this initiative continue to inspire me,” Kojo says. “I’ve always believed in social support for causes like this. Over the years, I’ve raised funds for different foundations through sporting events, but this one feels especially close to home—it directly supports people in need.” Professionally, Kojo works in technology as a Security Solutions Architect, but beyond his career, he describes himself as an “Amateur Extreme Athlete”—someone who thrives on pushing limits and giving back. He lives by a simple philosophy: “It does not cost an ounce to be nice.” That spirit of kindness and action drives his passion for the Foundation’s mission to expand access to brain tumor care in Ghana. Through his extensive network and sporting community, Kojo has already recruited several friends to participate in events that raise awareness and funds for the Foundation, helping to amplify its reach and impact. Following his successful triathlon, Kojo took on another challenge, the 2025 Texas City Tri/Duathlon, which includes a 3-mile run, a 15mile bike ride, and a 2-mile run. His goal is to continue fundraising for the Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation, which is doing vital work in Ghana by providing awareness, equipment, and spotlight Meet Kojo “Diggy” Donkor Security Solutions Architect | Advocate & Supporter of The Brain Tumor Foundation
31 financial assistance to patients battling brain tumors. In his message to supporters, Kojo shared: “For those who donated to my last campaign, thank you so much—your support means the world. Every $10, $15, $20, or $25 donation helps bring critical care and hope to those affected by brain tumors in Ghana. Please consider joining me in this effort to make a difference.” His message to others is powerful: “Giving is fulfilling. If you haven’t tried it, do it at least once—it’s a joy. This Foundation’s program is truly about helping people who need care.” Kojo Donkor’s energy, compassion, and commitment perfectly reflect the spirit of the Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation—a movement built on community, care, and hope. Through his efforts, he continues to show that one person’s dedication can spark lasting change.
32 Meet Conrad Kyiamah, a dedicated Software Engineer whose journey with the Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation is both personal and deeply inspiring. Introduced to the Foundation through a relative, Conrad’s connection to the cause runs far deeper — he is himself a brain tumor survivor. His experience has ignited a lifelong commitment to supporting others facing similar challenges. Easygoing and family-oriented, Conrad brings decades of experience in Information Technology and the grounded perspective of a proud father to a 20-year-old. His passion for the Foundation stems from a profound sense of purpose: “Doing what I can to provide a cure, relief, or a solution to brain tumor patients connects me to a higher purpose — one that transcends my personal goals.” Conrad is focused on leveraging his professional network to attract genuine donations that help sustain and grow the Foundation’s impact. His belief is simple yet powerful — that collective generosity can transform lives and bring hope where it’s needed most. Through his service and story, Conrad reminds us that giving back isn’t just an act of kindness — it’s a way of honoring life itself. Conrad Kyiamah Software Engineer | Advocate | Survivor spotlight Meet
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34 As a pediatric neurosurgeon, Dr. Patrick Bankah is driven by a singular passion: helping children recover through early diagnosis, safe surgery, and appropriate follow-up care. He witnesses firsthand how advanced equipment, timely interventions, and well-coordinated support can transform outcomes and give families hope. Dr. Bankah first became involved with the Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation (GBTF) when a colleague highlighted the Foundation’s potential to support critical neurosurgical needs. His connection deepened when GBTF helped secure a functional operating microscope, which has already improved surgical outcomes for 30 patients within just three months of its arrival in Accra. “My role allows me to witness the tangible impact of donations and advocacy on patient care. By extension, these contributions strengthen the entire Ghanaian healthcare system.” Dr. Bankah firmly believes: “Supporting this work is the right thing to do, especially if you are in a position to help. Service to mankind is service to God.” Dr. Patrick Bankah Pediatric Neurosurgeon spotlight Meet
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Cocktail & Silent Auction Chef Kess Eshun Welcome Dzidzo Dei-Tutu Dinner Chef Kess Eshun Live Auction Elle Montgomery Keynote Dr. Ekokobe Fonkem Acknowledgement Kafui Esiape Master of Ceremony Seventh Nana 2025Annual Fundraising Gala Bridging the Gap in Brain Cancer Care
37 An Evening of Culinary Storytelling, Heritage, and Purpose d COCKTAIL HOUR Suya-Spiced Chicken Croquettes with Tarragon Aioli Kelewele (Spiced Ripe Fried Plantain) with Nkate Cake (Mixed Nut Brittle) Yucca (Cassava) Chips with Warm Grouper Salsa Cruda and Chef Kess House Sauce Vegan Option: Yucca (Cassava) Chips with Mango-Lime Sals d APPETIZER Koose (Black-Eyed Pea Fritters) with Charred Lamb Chop, Creamy Mint Pesto, Feta Cheese, Honey, Pickled Red Onions, and Balsamic Glaze Vegan Option: Koose (Black-Eyed Pea Fritters) with Roasted Aubergine, Creamy Avocado Mint Pesto, Vegan Feta, Maple Drizzle, Pickled Red Onions, and Balsamic Glaze d SALAD House Greens with Kale and Brussels Sprouts, topped with Dried Cranberries, Fresh Blueberries, and Caramelized Egusi (Wild Melon Seeds), served with a Creamy Poppyseed Dressing Vegan Option: Lemon Vinaigrette d MAIN ENTREE Pan-Seared Ribeye or Confit Duck with Waakye (Rice and Beans) Scotch Egg, served with Red Sauce, Spaghetti, Plantain Sand, and Shito Demi Vegan Option: Waakye Risotto with Shiitake Mushroom, served with Red Sauce, Spaghetti, Plantain Sand, and Vegan Shito Demi d DESSERT Moringa Cake infused with Hwentia (Grains of Selim), Spiced Buttercream, Ginger Brown Butter Crumble, and Hwentia Salted Caramel. Served with a Key Lime Macaron Vegan Option: Moringa Cake infused with Hwentia (Grains of Selim), Spiced Coconut Cream, Ginger Brown Butter Crumble, Hwentia Salted Caramel, and a Key Lime Macaron
38 Chef Kess Eshun is a pioneering Ghanaian pastry chef and culinary innovator celebrated for blending African heritage flavors with the sophistication of Western fine dining. As the founder of Kess Kravings , she has reimagined traditional dishes using classic French techniques, gaining recognition for her exquisite macarons and Afro-Fusion creations. A Food Network competitor and noted culinary personality, Chef Kess channels her creativity through private dining, pop-up restaurants, and her own gourmet spice line. She champions the farm-to-table movement, using fresh, local ingredients and advancing sustainable kitchen practices. Through her passion, Chef Kess inspires others to appreciate the artistry of cooking and the power of food to unite communities, shape memories, and celebrate cultural identity. A current native of Texas, Kess is a strong supporter of the Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation, particularly focusing her efforts on pediatric brain tumor care. Meet Chef Kess Eshun
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40 spotlight Meet Mona Lisa Amatie Old Achimotan Association – 1991 North American Year Group When Monalisa Amatie first heard about the Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation (GBTF), it came from a place of friendship and shared purpose. The story began with Jejo Dei-Tutu, a dear childhood friend and fellow Achimotan, whose vision to make life-saving brain-tumour surgeries accessible to underprivileged Ghanaians immediately resonated with her. Her motivation to get involved, however, runs deeper than friendship. “I saw firsthand how a brain tumour affected Jejo’s health and life almost overnight,” she reflects. “It made me think about those who face the same fight without support, and that moved me to act.” For Monalisa, GBTF’s mission is more than medical — it’s moral. The Foundation’s commitment to combining compassionate care with cutting-edge surgical technology aligns perfectly with her values of health equity and sustainable capacity building. “The Gala isn’t just a fundraiser,” she explains. “It’s a space for awareness, for partnership, and for building Ghana’s confidence and capability in neurosurgery.” A proud Achimotan, Monalisa carries the school’s ethos of service
41 and leadership—to be living waters to a thirsty land—into everything she does. Professionally, she draws on her background in corporate and public sector finance, where she’s learned the delicate balance between financial discipline and social impact. Her support for GBTF began with fundraising for the inaugural Gala, but she sees that as just the beginning. She continues to use her professional and personal networks across consulting, government, and corporate circles to extend the Foundation’s reach. Beyond that, she hopes to offer her expertise in governance, risk, and compliance, ensuring GBTF’s growth is as credible as it is compassionate. Monalisa’s outlook on giving back is both heart-led and pragmatic: “Giving back isn’t just charity—it’s investing in human potential. When you support GBTF, you’re helping a person live, a family stay whole, and a nation build capacity. Let’s go beyond feel-good giving and think about lasting impact. True generosity blends compassion with competence. Let’s give generously—but also wisely.”
42 Some call it serendipity. Others, luck. For me, it was the hand of God that set the course for my journey—a journey that created the Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation. It is good to dream for dreaming is easy; it costs nothing. But the real power of a dream is in how it shifts someone else’s life. I quickly realized that this dream was bigger than me. To have any impact, I need you—all of you—to help make it real. I wasn’t handed life on a silver spoon, nor did I struggle with poverty. My parents worked hard to offer me the privilege of good healthcare—from northern Thames to Accra, to London, and finally to America. I took that privilege for granted. But it’s not something everyone in Ghana can count on, especially when facing brain tumors. In August 2023, I went back to Ghana for my grandmother’s 100th birthday. I should have been celebrating, but persistent headaches kept me sidelined. Prior to the journey I had been having headaches in Houston, I blamed my eyes and went for a visit to the optician The optician—alarmed— sent me to the ER. Still, stubbornness prevailed; I flew to Ghana anyway, the headaches growing worse by the day. Back in the States, my wife’s pleas finally won out. I stepped into the MRI room—then stepped out, overcome by claustrophobia. But on September 24th, I surrendered and took the scan. There it was: a tumor the size of a grapefruit. Immediate surgery was needed, so I braced myself, steeling my nerves while praying more than ever before. On September 26th, I entered the operating room. My family waited and prayed, their hearts on tenterhooks as the neurosurgeon sliced from my right ear nearly to the left, removing bone and muscle to reach my tumor. Thirteen lost hours later, I emerged—swollen, battered a metal plate in my head, yet alive—waking in ICU with tubes everywhere and a mind fogged by pain. Recovery and Awakening Steroids took their toll. Insomnia haunted me—five nights with no sleep. Anxiety and medication blurred the line between reality and nightmares. My wife sat at my side, powerless but steadfast as I struggled. I wept, raged, hallucinated, and searched for comfort that wouldn’t come. Rehabilitation was just as hard. I had to rebuild physical strength, relearn cognitive skills, and retrain my vision after months of partial blindness. Every milestone—no matter how small—brought its own victory. Yet in those toughest moments, I grew more certain that my survival had to mean something larger. I knew that so many people in Ghana, facing what I faced, would not have the same outcome. With just one neurosurgeon per 1.3 million people, timely care is a distant dream for most. The Hand of God How One Journey Sparked a Movement
43 DZIDZO If I’d collapsed in Ghana, I might not be here telling you this story. Lemonade, Champagne, and the Spark for GBTF People say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I say: let’s make champagne—brains are too precious for the ordinary. The Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation was born from my desire to turn personal pain into collective progress, and from my realization that a dream only matters if it lifts others up. We will work to bring world-class neurosurgical care to Ghana, to help patients survive and recover, and to support families through their darkest hours. I share my story not just to mark my own survival, but to invite you to join me in reshaping brain tumor care in Ghana. Together, our journey can be about resilience, hope, and a future where no one faces a brain tumor alone. It is good to dream for dreaming is easy; it costs nothing. But the real power of a dream is in how it shifts someone else’s life. I quickly realized that this dream was bigger than me. To have any impact, I need you—all of you—to help make it real. “
44 spotlight Meet Kafui Dei-Tutu Esiape Accountant For Kafui Dei-Tutu Esiape, supporting the Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation (GBTF) is deeply personal. Her connection began through her brother, Dzidzo, the Foundation’s founder, and is rooted in the profound impact a brain tumor had on their family. A chartered accountant by profession, Kafui works with a tech firm, but her dedication extends beyond the office. Inspired by her father, who invested generously in the lives of others, she has always valued giving back. “Having a reason like Dzidzo to be closely involved in this cause is just right,” she says. Kafui has volunteered her accounting expertise to support the Foundation, helping to ensure that donations are effectively managed and the organization remains financially strong. Her message to others is heartfelt: “We are blessed to bless others. Having an opportunity to give back is just amazing. Please do so, and be blessed.”
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46 Thank You, DJ Fisho! A huge shoutout to DJ Fisho for his consistent support of the Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation (GBTF). He made last year’s Gala a blast, bringing energy and excitement that kept everyone dancing and celebrating all night! Catch him live on Music For Your Quality Feet (MQF) every Sunday on YouTube & Zoom at 4 PM EST / 8 PM GMT. DJ Fisho also spins the best of Old School, Afrobeats, and more for private parties, weddings, birthdays, and special events. #GBTF #DJFisho #MusicForYourQualityFeet #CommunitySupport
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49 With Generous Donations & Contributions from: Kofi Honu Hacajaka Liliana & Gene Gretzer Beryl Ayewah Serenity Residences & Spa, Ghana Rami Al Saleh, DMD Dr. & Dr. Bekui Dr. Kathy Hwu Steve Campbell Crystal Rae Wiley Francis Adomako-Mensah Enyo & Joe Dogbe Kua Designs, Ghana Tekura Designs, Ghana Selina Beb, Ghana Digicraft Company Ltd. , Ghana Scan to bid in the silent auction: Scan for a raffle entry: Thank You from Ghana Brain Tumor Foundation (GBTF) Our heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors, partners, and guests for your incredible support. Together, we’re bringing hope and transforming lives across Ghana.
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51 Your support helps provide life-saving treatment and hope to brain tumor patients across Ghana. Whether you give your time, resources, or a donation, every act of generosity brings us closer to transforming lives. Donate today at www.ghbtf.org Brains Matter #GBTF #GiveHope #BrainTumorAwareness #TogetherWeCan Join Us in Making a Difference
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