For those that haven’t heard of a killer disease called Steven Johnson Syndrome, 25 year old Fadesola Adedayo embarked on a 17-day marathon to spread awareness after his brother died from the disease in 2012.

His older brother Adeyosola Adedayo, a medical doctor trained in the University of Birmingham moved back to Nigeria to help provide free medical services to people suffering from HIV.

Four years ago, Adeyosola saw blood on his hands after treating an HIV patient. Unfortunately, he reacted severely to the antibiotics he took to prevent HIV infection. He died two weeks after from SJS and he was only 27 years old.

Although Fadesola was heartbroken by his brother’s death, he began running to help with his depression. The civil engineer decided to create awareness and also raise $1 million research funds for the disease during the course of his 17-day marathon.

Steven John’s Syndrome is usually caused by a severe reaction to antibiotics which causes the skin layers to detach . It is a life-threatening disease that starts with a red rash on the limbs and face.

He began the race on May 13 in Abuja and completed it at Gani Fawehinmi Park in Lagos after running 44km everyday. He was received by Governor Ambode who assured him of Lagos state’s readiness to boost awareness of the disease.

Fadesola’s efforts have been recognised by Bia Live Well, MSF-Doctors Without Borders and Canada politician, David Miller. Nigerian medical research organisations should use this avenue to carry out adequate research so that this disease doesn’t claim more Nigerian lives.

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