Winnipeg man loses 13 relatives to Ebola in Sierra Leone

A Winnipeg man who lost 13 family members to Ebola is sending money to Sierra Leone to help support his remaining three relatives.

"It's changed me in a way that I appreciate life more, because I feel, despite any difficulty you may face in your life, there is always hope there for you," said Mohamed.

CBC News is not using Mohamed's last name because he fears his son will get bullied at school due to the stigma surrounding Ebola.

Mohamed, who is originally from Sierra Leone, has just two sisters and a brother left in West Africa after most of his family succumbed to Ebola infections.

He said once his brother Omaro, a nurse, contracted the virus, it spread rapidly.

"My stepmom was the first person who was looking after my younger brother Omaro. He may have passed it on to my stepmom. It goes on from there to my cousins, it goes to my niece and my aunts, and eventually it has to hit my dad."

Mohamed said he feels guilty living in Winnipeg while his surviving relatives face the ever-present threat of Ebola.

"I felt like if I had been back home I might have done something different to save my dad at least," said Mohamed. "'Helpless' as in me being here all the way and I can't even reach there. It makes it difficult."

But despite everything he has had to witness his family members endure from afar, Mohamed said he's pleased to have had support from people in Winnipeg.

"I've been very fortunate to be surrounded by a whole network of good people," he said. "Friends, relatives, loved ones, my little son as well."

Mohamed has set up a PO box to raise money to help his surviving relatives. Donations may be sent to:

PO BOX
40088 Lagimodiere Blvd
Winnipeg, MB
R2C 4P3