The President of the Rotary Club of Abuja, Maitama, Rtn. Rosemond Favour Uche, has asked Nigerians to support breast cancer patients in neglected communities.
She said the cost of diagnosis and care of the disease is burdensome on the affected indigent women, who could be family breadwinners.
She said the club will support three female cancer survivors with N300, 000 for post-surgery rehabilitation.
Each of the three beneficiaries got N100, 000 to assist with their burden of care.
Uche made the plea at the closing ceremony of free surgery for 10 cancer patients in partnership with Silver Cross Hospital in Guidna Village, a suburb of Abuja.
He said the collaboration with the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Patrick Ezie was in fulfillment of the Rotary core values of humanitarian, especially for indigent and neglected communities
He said partnerships with individuals and organizations that are dedicated to the cause of breast cancer deserve the support of all Nigerians.
Uche said: “Over the past month, 50 patients were screened, and 10 surgeries were performed. Among these, three patients require chemotherapy, an expensive and crucial next step in their treatment.
“While surgery is costly, chemotherapy is equally challenging. We hope our contributions will help these women continue their fight against cancer.
“Today, we reiterate our commitment to humanitarian work by supporting these women as they face the next phase of their treatment.”
She however assured that the Rotary Club of Abuja Maitama’s involvement doesn’t end with financial support.
“Our aim is to raise awareness about the ongoing need for cancer care in underserved communities.
She explained why the club opted for a village for free cancer screening and surgery.
Uche added: “We are here because of a partnership with Silver Cross Hospital that has been performing free surgeries for breast cancer, a mission that aligns perfectly with Rotary’s ethos of helping the indigent.
“We realized that the Medical Director’s dedication to the provision of free surgery in underprivileged areas has made a significant impact.
“If he had chosen wealthy neighbourhoods like Asokoro or Maitama, he wouldn’t reach those who need free surgery. His humanitarian spirit brought him here, where he established Silver Cross Hospital to meet the needs of the grassroots
The District Governor-Elect for Rotary International, District 9127, Dame Princess Joy Okoro, praised the hospital’s Medical Director for the free surgery.
“He has honoured us by showing what Rotary stands for by reaching the underserved and providing solutions to their problems.
“Seeing him work in such a rural community is inspiring, and we are proud to support his mission.”
A past President of the club, Rtn. Yusuf Alli said: “Cancer is one of the most challenging diseases globally.
“Offering such services in this modest village is a true testament to serving humanity and God. We will spread the word about this hidden doctor who is performing miracles for cancer patients.”
The hospital’s MD, Patric Ezie who appreciated the club’s intervention called on the government and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate Rotary by assisting indigent cancer patients.
He said: “Rotarians are humanitarians. They are always known for helping those who have such issues. I reached out to them and said the hospital is already doing this project, whichever way we can support these women, it would be nice.
“It’s a huge financial issue for such illness. We are already doing our best to ensure that the women have the surgery. They need treatment and drugs to continue on chemotherapy and nutrition.
“This is also a call to the government and well-meaning Nigerians. It won’t take Federal hospitals much to do free breast cancer surgery for women. They can do free chemotherapy, even if it’s for 100 women.
“We have removed that burden from the society. We are also giving life back to those women. If a private hospital like ours in our location could do this for these women, then what of the big hospitals? They can do much more. They have more finances. They have more that they can give.
“Sometimes we forget that charity is actually part of medicine. Yes, you want to make money, but there are also people who you can help. It won’t cost your facility so much”.
