My Story: Why I Founded Little Lives Foundation

There are moments in life that change the course of your future. For me, that moment came when I was a child.

When I was around 8 years old, during a normal school day in primary 3 or 4, my class teacher, Mrs Omowanle, noticed I was struggling to see certain colours of markers on the board and informed my mum. We went for an eye test and after initial assessment, we were advised to see an ophthalmologist because the issue could not be corrected with glasses. After further checks with an ophthalmologist, it was discovered that I was blind in one eye, and scans revealed a tumor in my head affecting my vision. We were advised that I needed surgery to remove it, and after several hospital visits, we were referred to Max Super Speciality Hospital in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India, where I eventually had the operation and stayed for about three weeks. Although I was still very young, the whole experience had a lasting impact on my life, as the tumor also affected some of my hormones, leading to ongoing health challenges that I continue to manage till today.

As a child, I did not fully understand everything that was happening around me. But I came to understand that good healthcare can make the difference between fear and hope, between suffering and recovery. I also came to appreciate the sacrifices made by my family and everyone who supported me through that difficult journey.

As I grew older, I began to realize that many people face serious health conditions without access to the care they need. For countless families, the cost of medical treatment, medication, and specialist care can be overwhelming. Too often, people are forced to delay or forgo treatment simply because they cannot afford it.

That personal experience inspired me to create Little Lives Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting children with underlying health conditions who struggle to access or afford healthcare.

At Little Lives Foundation, we believe no one should be denied the chance to live a healthy life because of financial hardship. Our mission is to provide support, raise awareness, and connect vulnerable individuals with the healthcare resources they need. This foundation is more than just an organization to me; it is the result of a journey that began in a hospital room many years ago. The challenges I faced as a child gave me a deeper understanding of the importance of compassion, support, and access to quality healthcare, and that is what continues to drive this work today.

Today, our goal is to bring hope to those who need it most. Every life matters. Every person deserves care. And every child facing health challenges deserves the chance to receive the treatment they need.

I am grateful to everyone who supports this mission, whether through donations, partnerships, volunteering, or simply advocating. Your support is helping us make a real difference in the lives of others. Together, through Little Lives Foundation, we can help ensure that health challenges do not become barriers to a brighter future.

My name is Oluwadurotimi Odukoya, and this is my story.