*Checking back in with Dikembe Mutombo on how he’s handling the sad and tragic death of 8-yea-old Matadi Sela Petit, we find he’s using the unfortunate situation for further inspiration.
Naturally, Mutombo is shattered over the boys passing, but on the other hand, the former NBAer is vowing to stay positive. Ha says, instead of breaking him, the incident has only strengthened his focus on helping people.
Mutombo tells TMZ that he’s been working with the boy’s family to transport his body back to the Democratic Republic of Congo for a proper burial, which should happen soon. It obviously a tough, tough loss for the family, but they’re hanging in there.
As we reported earlier, Dikembe flew the child from Africa to Los Angeles earlier this month in hopes of removing the large tumor from his face, so he could return to his home and live a normal, happy life.
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Here MORE via TMZ:
Matadi and his family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in L.A. as they awaited his operation, led by Dr. Ryan Osborne from Cedars Sinai Medical Center … who volunteered his services.
Sadly, Matadi suffered a rare genetic reaction to anesthesia during his surgery last week and went into cardiac arrest, and despite the best efforts of the medical staff … he passed away Friday night.
Dikembe’s remaining devoted despite the sad outcome, though — reminding us things don’t always turn out the way we want … and are sometimes out of our control.
Meanwhile, Mutombo says there are no plans to change anything at his hospital in the Congo — which has helped hundred of thousands of people — and he vows to keep the good work up.
Also, Mutombo’s foundation says Matadi “was a pioneer, and his memory will inspire us to continue to develop efforts and partnerships to improve the lives of the children of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
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