Filed in by Olando Testimony Zeongar – 0776819983/0880-361116/life2short4some@yahoo.com
Monrovia – Frantic efforts are being exerted by media colleagues to save the life of ailing journalist Dennis Samukai, Punch has reliably gathered.
Samukai, who has been bedridden for a protracted period now, has been diagnosed with hyperglycemia, an excess of glucose in the bloodstream, often associated with diabetes mellitus. He is currently admitted at the S.D. Cooper Hospital, at 12th Street, Sinkor.
Illness or stress can trigger hyperglycemia because hormones produced to combat illness or stress can also cause one’s blood sugar to rise, and even individuals with no history of being diabetic may develop hyperglycemia during severe illness.
PUNCH understands plans are afoot for the broadcast journalist to be flown to Ghana for advanced medical treatment, with family sources disclosing that already, a volunteer has offered to pay for Samukai’s plane ticket.
An associate and former workmate of Samukai, when he worked at Radio Veritas, told PUNCH Tuesday via phone that another flight ticket is needed for the ailing journalist’s wife, who will accompany him to care for the sick journalist while he undergoes medical treatment in Ghana.
Extra funds for Samukai’s hospital bill and his upkeep, are also needed, according to family sources.
Meanwhile, a group of concerned Liberian journalists that had earlier launched an urgent humanitarian campaign in a bid to save the life of Samukai, has announced what the group calls a mini rally to be held at 10 AM on tomorrow Wednesday, 10 October, at the Clay Street Headquarters of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), to raise funds for the ailing journalist.
The group of journalists, under the banner LIBERIAN JOURNALISTS CHATROOM, made an SOS plea Tuesday, rallying all and sundry, including journalists and Liberians of all walks of life to come to the aid of ailing journalist Samukai, through financial assistance to enable him foot his medical bill and settle other related obligations.
Journalist Samukai has worked as reporter and newscaster for several local news outlets including the state broadcaster, LBS; OK FM; the erstwhile Liberia Communications Network (LCN), and the Catholic-run Radio Veritas.
The renowned broadcast journalist also worked at the well-respected and award-winning Star Radio before it was shut down due to budgetary constraints. Prior to Samukai falling ill, he last worked for Joy FM.
