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By Vincent Kalu
Anambra State Association, Women in USA, Inc (ASA Women USA), has honoured and empowered eight breast cancer survivors with the sum of one million each.
The event, which took place yesterday, at Patgelina Event Centre, Ebute Metta, Lagos, attracted many Anambra State indigenes in Lagos, mostly, women.
In her address, the President and Founder of the group, Dr. Anthonia Uche Umeh, said the event was to honour the cancer survivors for their strength, tenacity, triumphs, and courage in breaking the barriers of silence.
ASA Women USA, she said is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness and implementing programmes that address health and educational issues affecting women, children, youth, and physically challenged persons in Anambra State.
According to her, since inception in 2011, the association has dedicated eight years to cancer and maternal health medical missions, delivering medical and surgical services to over 30,000 individuals in Anambra State.
“We have enhanced healthcare infrastructure by donating diagnostic equipment to state hospitals and alleviated burdens by paying hospital bills.
“The organisation has made significant strides in supporting over 150 breast and cervical cancer patients through the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme since 2021, providing financial grants for cancer treatments.
“We have hosted impactful fundraising events, including pink dinners and a 5K Walk for Hope in both the US and Nigeria, all aimed at combating cancer.
“Our collaborations with the Global Giving Foundation and donations to cancer in Washington DC highlight our commitment to cancer care,” Dr Umeh stated.
She told the audience that the association has acquired land in Anambra in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi to establish the Hope Cancer Centre.”
The Chairman of the event, and the President, Anambra State Development Unions (AASSDU), Chief Amaechi Ebeledike, described the host, Dr. Mrs. Anthonia Umeh, as an outstanding woman, with a great passion to serve humanity.
The keynote speaker, Emeritus Prof. Ifeoma Okoye, said Dr Anthonia Umeh with her team deserves honour for quenching the raging fire and changing the narrative of breast cancer in Nigeria.
According to her, 14,700 Nigerian women die of breast cancer every year. She encouraged the survivors to be strong and not to be downcast, assuring them that their being alive is a great comfort for everyone.
She said cancer becomes a death sentence if it is not detected early.
The motivational speaker, Dr. Ifeyinwa Nwakwesi, while praising the host, she harped on the importance of dieting in living a healthy life.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of N1 million grants to the eight cancer survivors – Ebere Machi, Kate Egwuonwu, Uju Nwuwa, Uchenna Okonkwo, Ngozika Nwoye, Sandra Okoh, Esther Ogochi Uche and Nkechi Eucharia Ogbochikwe.
Emotions ran high as they recounted their experience battling with cancer.
