A Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO, Akanimo Cancer Foundation, has noted that every child deserves a chance of living life to its fullest.
While addressing a gathering at the International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day, in commemoration of the International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD), the Executive Secretary and Co-founder, Akanimo Cancer Foundation, Barr. Idara Sunday Ekanem, noted that there is a huge need for people to acknowledge that cancer is a reality, adding that it should be known that cancer is a disease, which can be treated and can be cured especially in children.
She queried that if people do not even believe it is a disease, how will they show up for treatment?
Barr. Ekanem said: “In October 2017, a hitherto vibrant, brilliant and healthy 10-year-old boy took ill. It was the little things, he wasn’t eating as well, was constipated and didn’t quite participate in school as usual.”
“His parents did not waste any time in taking him to the hospital to get checked out. Of course, nobody imagined it would turn out to be cancer but that was what it was.”
“As the family fought that disease, there were many theories, it was juju, a hex, a curse, it was spiritual. They decided not to listen to all that but to seek medical care. That boy is the reason behind this foundation today.”
“Akanimo Cancer Foundation was created to, among other things, raise the awareness that children also get cancer. Today is International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day. It holds every February 15, all over the world. There is a huge need for the acknowledgement of this reality.”
“It should be known that cancer is a disease, it can be treated and it can be cured especially in children because if people do not even believe it is a disease, how will they show up for treatment? Every child deserves a chance at living life at its fullest.”
“We started at 7am at Alesinloye market; Our aim is to reach every mother, father and child and to let them know that sometimes our body cells can get out of whack, they don’t grow the way they are supposed to and they cause problems for us.”
“It happens to adults and it happens to children too. Our just concluded 2-hour walk around Ibadan for that purpose.”
“Who knows? You may be the reason a child hears of childhood cancer today and becomes a scientist and cures childhood cancer!” She said.
In their separate remarks, the members of the foundation, said it is very necessary to let people know that childhood cancer can be cured if is detected early.
Funmi Temidayo Adeniyi Senior resident Department of Paediatrics University College Hospital Ibadan.
Emuoghoke Emonena-Solotan Cancer Awareness Advocate and Program Coordinator.
Akanimo Cancer Foundation Barr. Idara Sunday Ekanem Executive secretary and co-founder, Akanimo Cancer Foundation.
