Arthur Okraku and Lazarus

Arthur Okraku did not realize what having a new grandson would mean for him. It has brought Arthur much joy and much heartache.  On August 20, 2007, Arthur became a grandfather to Lazarus Akuffo. Lazarus is the son of Arthur’s daughter, who died during childbirth. While grieving the loss of his daughter, Arthur was given the daunting task of becoming a parent to his newborn grandson. To further complicate the situation, Arthur is from Ghana but was living in England.
This dedicated grandfather left England to come to UVA Children’s Hospital to be near his grandson who, born prematurely, was placed in the NICU. Arthur arrived at our doorstep shortly after coming to Charlottesville, with a smile on his face! His positive attitude and his love for family, which he attributes to his Ghanan upbringing, helped him to take step after step towards completely caring for little Lazarus. Arthur spent two months at the Ronald McDonald House and by Lazarus’ bedside. Arthur also faced mountains of paperwork involving many embassies and the United States Government in order to move to the U.S. to raise and care for Lazarus.  Arthur and Lazarus have settled in Newark, NJ and are doing well. We miss Arthur’s smile and can-do attitude. What a testimony to the importance of family!