Accident victim from Ghana gets new chance at life in visit to America

ALBANY, N.Y. -- On a recent trip to Ghana, Joshua Foundation President Lorenzo Hodges had a simple plan.

"We were delivering $7 million worth of medicine, donating it to the hospital," he said.

That plan didn't include helping 24-year-old Esther Acheampong. "I never said I was going to help, I just said I'd be in touch."

Acheampong was doing charity work in her country when the bus she was in crashed. One student died. Nearly two dozen were hurt. She was disfigured. Her left arm was amputated. From there, no one would help.

Hodges said, "I reached out to some doctors (in America) and they weren't interested. I reached out to some other people and they said it was going to be too much money."

But Hodges didn't give up. He and a local church group brought Esther and her parents to America.

"It's my first time traveling on a plane," laughed Esther.

She arrived at JFK Tuesday night.

Wearing sweaters and sweatshirts, because 75 degrees is much cooler than they're used to, the family is now here to meet with area doctors who will give her $400,000 worth of plastic surgery and prosthetics.

"At least I can look more normal like every other person with my face," said Acheampong.

Hodges says they're looking to raise at least $15,000 to offset some of the cost, as Acheampong, through chance and kind deeds, gets to see a little bit of America for the first time.

"I know what God is doing," said Acheampong, wiping her tears.

If you want to help her, you can. A fundraiser is being held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Chestnut Street in Albany, from 7 to 9PM Saturday, September 22.