Paralyzed Radio Volunteer Seeks Urgent Medical Help

(Juba) – A 29 year old South Sudanese man, Gabriel Tol Tol, commonly known as Tolmang Dit or Tolpuk, is appealing for urgent medical and humanitarian support as he battles paralysis and deteriorating health at Juba Teaching Hospital.

Originally from Ariath Madina Payam in Aweil North County, Northern Bahr el-Ghazal State, Tol has been bedridden at the hospital since April 2025. He is suffering from a progressive and undiagnosed illness that began on September 6, 2022, and eventually left his lower body paralyzed. Despite his efforts to seek treatment at various health facilities in Northern and Western Bahr el-Ghazal, his condition has only worsened.

In an interview from his hospital bed, Tol explained, “I was admitted to Juba Teaching Hospital in early April, where I have been confined due to a lack of money. I would be elsewhere if I could get better care.”

Tol first received treatment from Dr. Francis Adwok at Wau Medical Complex, where he was prescribed medication, but the results were minimal. Now reliant on crutches and the assistance of others for movement, Tol says his nerves in the back and legs are no longer functioning.

Born in 1996 in Nyala, South Darfur, Sudan, Tol relocated to South Sudan with his family during childhood. Community members and well-wishers later raised money to transfer him from Bahr el-Ghazal to Juba, where he hoped to receive advanced care. However, his condition remains critical, and the environment at Juba Teaching Hospital—including poor hygiene and a lack of food and basic supplies—has further undermined his recovery.

“You might think I look healthy, but I’m suffering,” Tol said. “My current living situation is terrible.”

Despite his physical challenges, Tol remains widely known across South Sudan for his unpaid volunteer work as a radio caller and commentator on stations such as Akol Yam FM and Radio Miraya FM. He has used radio as a platform to speak about social issues and community challenges.

Today, Tol is seeking financial support for three months of physiotherapy and food, which are critical to restoring his strength and mobility. He has already secured some medications through earlier donations.

His urgent needs include:

• Physiotherapy (3 months): $1,500 USD

• Food and essentials (3 months): 1,500,000 South Sudanese Pounds (approx. $450 USD)

• Total required: $1,950 USD

Tol expressed hope that with proper treatment, he could eventually recover and fulfill his long-held dream of becoming a professional media personality.

“I pray for my legs and back to heal—and for donors to help me,” he said.

Anyone willing to assist Gabriel Tol (Tolmang Dit) in his recovery journey can reach him directly