By Chukwuka Ugokwe
Determined to reduce the financial burden of Breast Cancer treatment on patients, the Anambra State Association, Women in USA, Inc. and ASA Women USA Cancer Coalition in Nigeria, has made a significant contribution of three million naira to support three breast cancer survivors in Anambra State, Nigeria.
During a ceremony held in Awka, Dr Mrs Josephine Onor, the Board Chairman of the association, represented Founder/ President Dr. Mrs. Anthonia Uche-Umeh.
She highlighted that ASA Women USA was established in 2011 and has been actively involved in medical missions over the years.
“The funds donated will assist the survivors with their ongoing hospital bills and medication.
“We are very much aware about our breast cancer patients here in Anambra in particular and generally in Nigeria.”
She said that they decided to embark on support for treatment of breast cancer patients because it is one of the scourges women suffer from.
According to her, knowing one’s status is very important as that will aid in getting treatment early.
She added that regular screening forms part of the things that would help identify those at risk, noting that routine screening aided early detection and treatment.
“We want you to begin early because we believe in detection is the best cure. We encourage you to go for annual mammogram, they can detect cancer. They can detect the lump and take it off and you will be free.
“Don’t wait till the stage 2, stage 3, stage 4, mammogram is encouraged,the key here is early detection.
“I am not happy to see some of our patients here today, how they are, but we hope that God Almighty, he is the ultimate doctor that will heal them.
“We pray for their healing, but going forward we want every woman including myself to go for annual mammogram.It is very important.”
Dr. Onor explained that the association presents dummy cheques to beneficiaries while the actual funds are paid directly to the hospitals for accountability.
Three cheques of one million naira each were presented to Blessing Ebele Machi, Florence Nwogochukwu Nwosu, and Nkoli Pieta Nnolum.
“So, on behalf of ASA Women USA, we are pleased to present these cheques to three women today.”
Mr. Chris Molokwu, Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service, commended the association’s efforts, noting that the support provided will significantly alleviate the challenges faced by the survivors, as breast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women today.
The MD who narrated how he lost some of his friends to the disease, said the initiative would go a long way in the fight to control the menace in the state.
“I hope we have more of this, not just from ASA Women, but from women everywhere to help ensure that we don’t lose our bright brains, our mothers, sisters and daughters to this menace.”
He, however, called on other women associations to emulate the gesture so as to end the cancer scourge.
On her part, Mrs. Felicity Ebele Obiakonze, Assistant Coordinator Southeast for ASA Women USA, emphasized the grassroots efforts in identifying survivors and confirmed that the funds are sourced from ASA Women USA, Inc.
She said the association had been dedicated to supporting breast cancer patients in the state.
The beneficiaries, expressed gratitude and prayed for the association’s continued blessings.
The cheque presentation was attended by several notable members, including Mrs. Ify Unachukwu, Head of Television at ABS and a member of the association.
Chukwuka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
