Fight against childhood cancer

…Story of resilience, compassion, inspiration

By Damiete Braide

Childhood cancer leaves a profound and often devastating impact on young people and their families. The diagnosis itself is a thunderclap, shattering the fragile normalcy of childhood and replacing it with the harsh realities of hospital stays, chemotherapy and uncertainty.

 

 

 

For parents, the realisation that their child’s illness could be fatal is a haunting burden, compounded by the financial and emotional toll of treatment. In Nigeria, where awareness of childhood cancer remains alarmingly low, this battle is often fought in silence, with families left to navigate an underfunded and under-resourced healthcare system.

This is the reality that Dr. Nneka Nwobbi has fought to change. In 2003, she founded the Children Living With Cancer Foundation (CLWCF) to address the overlooked crisis of childhood cancer in Nigeria. Her work has since provided hope and healing to hundreds of children, while shining a spotlight on a health issue previously shrouded in ignorance and neglect.

 

 

 

Dr. Nwobbi’s journey began years earlier as a medical student at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). While rotating through the wards, she frequently encountered children battling cancer. Their frailty and bravery left an indelible mark on her heart, but what struck her most was the ignorance surrounding their condition.

One case stood out, a young boy with symptoms that pointed unmistakably to leukemia. When Dr. Nwobbi suggested further testing, the boy’s father scoffed at the idea. “Children don’t get cancer,” he said dismissively, reflecting a widespread misconception. As the boy’s health deteriorated, the family, unable to afford the modest sum needed for chemotherapy, turned to traditional remedies. His story ended in tragedy, but it sparked a resolve in Dr. Nwobbi to do something for children like him.

Determined to make a difference, Dr. Nwobbi founded CLWCF with a clear mission: to raise awareness about childhood cancer, provide financial and emotional support to affected families, and advocate for early diagnosis and treatment. In 2003, Nigeria had no organization dedicated solely to paediatric cancer care. Most existing charities focused on adult cancers like breast and cervical cancer, leaving children with little to no support.

CLWCF became a beacon of hope, offering resources and counselling for families who had nowhere else to turn. The foundation partnered with LUTH, where most of its beneficiaries receive treatment, and launched awareness campaigns to educate the public about the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer.

Behind the statistics are real children and families whose lives have been transformed by CLWCF.

In 2011, Abayomi Matthew Adewunmi’s three-year-old son was diagnosed with acute leukemia. The news was a crushing blow to his family, who faced months of grueling chemotherapy and mounting hospital bills. Yet, with support from CLWCF, they persevered. “It was a battle between heaven and hell,” Abayomi recalled, his voice heavy with emotion. “But God took control, and today, my son is healed of cancer.”

Similarly, Ijeoma Onyewuchi, a young widow, was thrust into the terrifying world of childhood cancer when her son fell ill. “I noticed something was off with him shortly after my husband’s death,” she said. Doctors confirmed her worst fears – a cancer diagnosis with a 50/50 chance of survival. Bolstered by CLWCF’s guidance and her unshakable faith, Ijeoma fought alongside her son, who is now a cancer survivor.

Osisanya Olusola, a parent whose child has cancer, said his son lost his vision because of cancer of the brain (brain tumor).

He said, “Dr. Nwobbi, through her foundation, has been very supportive in the treatment for my child. Though I have done surgery for my son twice, one at University Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, and another one at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, I thank God that he’s is getting better.”

He disclosed that, according to one of the doctors, his son cannot regain his sight anymore because “we didn’t bring him on time to the hospital. When the sickness started at first, we thought that it was a spiritual attack and we went from one church to another. We also visited traditional doctors but the tumor kept on growing. Unfortunately, by the time we took him to the hospital, it was too late.

“My advise to parents is that they should take their children to the hospital when they observe strange things in their children. They should not say that there is no money, but they should take the child first to the hospital.”

Oluchi Onyekwe, a survivor of child cancer, said: “I’m actually speechless. Thank you very much for your support. I don’t know how much to appreciate you. I didn’t actually know that she was the one that had been sponsoring my treatment when I was at the hospital.

“I am a survivor of childhood cancer. It all started when I was eight years old. I was diagnosed of ovarian cancer, which is mostly found in adults. It took a lot of time and efforts for them to actually realize what was going on with me.

“I was eight years old and it started on a Sunday morning when I was going to church. I could not move again and I fell on the ground.

“I was having terrible plains in my abdomen and my sister was asking me, it might be as a result of over-feeding and that was what made me unable to walk.

“She carried me on her back to church. We went to so many private hospitals and some said it was ulcer or one disease or the other but they were unable to get the correct diagnosis.

“In 2008, one day, my mother was bathing me and she realized that there was something abnormal in my abdomen, it was swollen and she said what could have caused it? She took me to do scan and it they said it was not cancerous and they removed the swollen part through operation.

“After they removed it, that was when the cancer became fullblown. Four years later, where they did the operation did not heal on time and I kept on having pains.

“I could not bend down and my stomach started to protrude. There were so many suggestions from people around me. It made my mother confused and she didn’t know what to do.

“Some neighbours advised my mother to take me to the hospital. I fainted in the house one day and when I was taken to a private hospitals and they all rejected me because of my condition, I was referred to LUTH.

“When we got to LUTH, the doctors asked my mother what was she doing up till now to have kept your daughter like this? I was admitted in the children’s emergency unit and I stayed there for four months because they were looking for what was wrong with me.

“They made me undergo so many tests, until they said I had to do a biopsy and took the sample to Enugu Teaching Hospital, that was when they realized that it was ovarian cancer. They explained to my mother that ovarian cancer could also affect children; she was surprised that cancer could actually affect a child. I was placed on treatment and I thank God for CLWCF for coming to my rescue.

“An individual came to the hospital and donated drugs to me at that time. A particular drug was over N100,000; also, some of the tests were so expensive that I would tell my parents, why can’t they leave me alone and let me stay in the hospital because it was draining their financial resources?

“I want to thank CLCWF for all their support. At the hospital bed, that was where I got the inspiration that I wanted to become a nurse to save the lives of people. Though some of the children in the ward with me died, I told God that, if I got healed, I would be a nurse so that I would be able treat these children and help them in my own way.

“To God be the glory, I have graduated from nursing school and I am now working in the hospital to take care of children with cancer.”

One of the most inspiring voices in the walkathon comes from 16-year-old Tamilore Abayomi, who was diagnosed with cancer at the tender age of three. Now a survivor, Tamilore reflects on her journey with a mix of gratitude and determination.

“Going through cancer treatment was a bad experience, but by the grace of God, I overcame it,” she said. “I joined the walk because it’s my way of saying thank you to everyone who supported me and my family during that difficult time.”

Esther Stanley, whose daughter lost a hand to cancer, shared her appreciation: “The help we’ve received has been a blessing. My husband’s business has suffered because of medical expenses, but this support gives us hope.”

Timothy Olanipekun, a cancer survivor, reflected on his journey, recalling how Dr. Nwobbi and CLCWF supported him through treatment. Now a graduate of electrical electronics engineering, he attended the party to inspire others.

These parents are not just beneficiaries of CLWCF but also its advocates, using their stories to inspire others. They participate in awareness campaigns, sharing their journeys to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and the possibility of survival.

In Nigeria, the challenge of combating childhood cancer begins with awareness. For years, many parents have dismissed early symptoms – persistent fever, swollen lymph nodes, or bone pain—as minor ailments. By the time they seek medical attention, the disease has often progressed to an advanced stage.

Nwobbi explained: “Cancer in children is just as aggressive as it is in adults. The longer you wait, the worse it becomes. Early detection is critical, yet many families delay seeking help.”

CLWCF has made significant strides in changing this narrative. Through workshops, school programs, and media campaigns, the foundation educates communities about childhood cancer. Its annual walkathons, held to commemorate International Childhood Cancer Day, draw participants from all walks of life, spreading the message that early intervention saves lives.

Even with awareness, the cost of treatment remains a daunting obstacle. Unlike in developed countries where healthcare systems often subsidize cancer care, Nigerian families must shoulder the full burden. Chemotherapy, diagnostic tests, and hospital stays can cost hundreds of thousands of naira – an insurmountable sum for most.

CLWCF steps in to bridge this gap, covering treatment costs for families who cannot afford them. Over the years, the foundation has supported more than 500 children, ensuring they receive the care they need to survive.

However, the financial strain extends beyond the hospital. Many parents are forced to quit their jobs to care for their sick children, plunging their families into economic hardship. Recognizing this, CLWCF also provides counseling and support to help families cope with the broader impact of childhood cancer.

Dr. Nwobbi believes that one of the greatest achievements of CLWCF has been breaking the silence around childhood cancer. “People used to think it was a death sentence,” she said. “Now, we are seeing a shift. More families are coming forward, and more children are surviving because they’re getting diagnosed earlier.”

This shift is evident at LUTH, where the pediatric oncology ward now admits two to three new patients each month. While these numbers reflect progress, they also underscore the need for continued advocacy and support.

Despite its successes, CLWCF faces significant challenges. The disparity in survival rates between Nigeria and developed countries is stark while cure rates for childhood cancers exceed 80% in the West, they remain as low as 25% in Nigeria.

This gap is due in part to limited access to advanced medical technology and trained specialists. Many Nigerian hospitals lack the infrastructure to provide comprehensive cancer care, forcing families to travel long distances for treatment. Dr. Nwobbi has called for increased government investment in healthcare, particularly in pediatric oncology, to address these systemic issues.

Another hurdle is sustaining the foundation’s work. CLWCF relies heavily on donations and sponsorships, which can be unpredictable. Yet, Dr. Nwobbi remains optimistic, driven by the stories of survival and hope that have defined her journey.

The story of CLWCF is one of resilience, compassion, and the unyielding power of the human spirit. Dr. Nwobbi’s vision has not only saved lives but also fostered a sense of community among families facing the same struggles.

For parents like Abayomi and Ijeoma, the foundation has been a lifeline. For the hundreds of children it has supported, it has been a second chance at life. And for Dr. Nwobbi, it has been a testament to the idea that one person can make a difference.

As CLWCF marks two decades of service, its mission remains as urgent as ever. Childhood cancer is a battle no child should face alone, and thanks to Dr. Nwobbi and her team, fewer children have to.

In the words of one survivor’s parent: “We found hope in the midst of despair. And that hope was everything.”

The need for awareness

The need for better awareness and infrastructure becomes painfully clear when speaking to families who have faced childhood cancer.

Abayomi Matthew Adewunmi, one of the many parents who has walked this harrowing path, vividly recalls the moment his world was turned upside down. In 2011, his nearly three-year-old son was diagnosed with acute leukemia.

“We came to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and started treatment right away. It was a battle between heaven and hell,” Abayomi recalls, his voice heavy with emotion. “It wasn’t easy in any way, but God took control, and today, my son is healed of cancer.”

That victory over the disease has left Abayomi with a deep commitment to fight for other children in Nigeria facing cancer.

For the past ten years, he has participated in every walkathon organized by CLWCF, standing as a living testament to the power of resilience and early intervention. His message to other parents is clear: act fast and trust the medical professionals. “Some people advised us to go to traditional herbal practitioners, but we refused,” he says. “Early detection is key. It enables the doctors to capture the disease on time.”

For many parents, however, the road to treatment is filled with uncertainty and heartache. Ijeoma Onyewuchi’s journey began just after losing her husband in 2018. While grieving, she noticed something wasn’t right with her son. “People who came to pay their condolences kept asking me what was wrong with him,” she recalls. Unsure of the cause, she took him to a hospital in Owerri, where doctors advised her to go to a Federal Medical Centre in Lagos.

The emotional toll was immense. “After my husband’s burial, I took my children to Lagos and went to the hospital,” she continues. “They kept running tests for weeks, but they wouldn’t tell me what was wrong. Eventually, we were referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where specialists could take over.”

At LUTH, the diagnosis came: her son had cancer. “I was speechless,” she remembers, her voice breaking. “But I trusted God. The doctors told me there was a 50/50 chance of survival, but nothing is impossible with God.” Her son began treatment and, to her immense relief, responded well to the medication. Today, he is a survivor.

Ijeoma now volunteers with CLWCF, joining the walkathon and speaking to other parents about the importance of early diagnosis. “I tell them that if they see anything strange, they must take their child to the hospital immediately. The earlier, the better. Cancer is treatable if it is caught early.”

Organisations  strengthening the fight against children cancer 

One of the foundation’s greatest supporters is the Lagos Ikoyi Lions Club, whose members have been involved in the Childhood Cancer Awareness Month for decades. Lion Doris Lewis, the club’s president for the 2024/2025 Lionistic Year, emphasizes the importance of community involvement. “We’ve been creating awareness for childhood cancer for the past 37 years,” she says. “We visit schools, use social media to spread the word, and make donations to the hospitals where these children are being treated.”

The Lions Club’s work is rooted in the belief that “where there is a need, there is a Lion.” The organization is known for community service and has made childhood cancer a priority. Doris stresses that no parent should feel alone in this fight. “We want parents to know that they are not alone. We will support them in any way we can.”

Seven-Fifteen Foundation

The Seven-Fifteen Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Seven-Fifteen Capital Limited, is intensifying efforts to support children battling cancer. Adesuwa Belo-Osagie, the foundation’s Chair, reaffirmed their commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young adults.

“We are deeply passionate about this cause,” Belo-Osagie stated, referencing their recent contributions to the Dorcas Cancer Foundation and the Children Living With Cancer Foundation (CLWCF). The latest donation, made under the foundation’s Angel Wings Initiative, honors the memory of Angel, a young girl who tragically succumbed to cancer earlier this year.

Belo-Osagie highlighted the stark disparities in survival rates between high-income and low-to-middle-income countries. While 80% of children with cancer survive in wealthier nations, this rate drops to just 30% in poorer regions. She attributed this gap to unequal access to medical facilities, funding for research, appropriate medications, and early diagnosis.

“These figures underscore the critical impact that funding and support can have on improving outcomes,” she said. “Timely diagnosis and proper treatment are often the difference between life and death.”

The Angel Wings Initiative is part of the foundation’s broader mission to enhance cancer prevention and treatment. Through their sustained efforts, the Seven-Fifteen Foundation aims to ensure that more children, regardless of their circumstances, have access to the life-saving care they need. “This is about changing lives and creating a future where every child has a fighting chance,” Belo-Osagie concluded.

Knights of Saint John, Ajao Estate Lagos

Nobel (Sir) Fidel Ononoju, President of the Knights of Saint John, Ajao Estate Lagos, recently led a charity visit to children battling cancer. The visit, held during the festive season, aimed to bring joy and relief to the children and their families by alleviating some of their financial burdens.

Upon arrival at the hospital, the group learned that the children were celebrating a Christmas party. They joined the celebration, spreading warmth and cheer among the young patients. Ononoju explained that their mission was to support the families by contributing to hospital bills, acknowledging that while they could not pay off all expenses, they hoped their gesture would lighten the load.

They paid part of the medical bills of six children by donating N1.2m to them.

“Our core objective is charity,” he said. “This Christmas, we aim to put smiles on the faces of these families and ease their struggles.”

Ononoju urged Nigerians blessed with health and resources to extend kindness to the less fortunate. He reminded them that good health is a privilege, not a right, and should inspire gratitude and generosity.

“Helping others, especially those with debilitating illnesses, brings meaning to life,” he said. The visit underscored the Knights’ dedication to spreading love and alleviating suffering, embodying the true spirit of the season.

Child expert speaks on childhood cancer

Dr. Ugonna Fakile, a specialist in pediatric oncology, sheds light on this issue, explaining the risk factors associated with childhood cancer, its symptoms, and the critical importance of early diagnosis and adherence to treatment.

One of the most significant distinctions between childhood and adult cancers is the lack of definitive causes in children. While many adult cancers can be linked to specific behaviors or environmental exposures, such as smoking or poor diet, the situation for children is different. “In children, there is no direct cause for cancer,” Dr. Fakile explains. “However, certain risk factors can predispose children to the disease.” These risk factors include exposure to radiation, such as living near nuclear or power plants, genetic syndromes like neurofibromatosis and even certain viral infections. She lists Parvovirus, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) as examples of viruses that may increase cancer risks in children.

Additionally, children who have already survived cancer and undergone treatment are at a higher risk of developing secondary cancers later in life. The underlying mechanisms are complex, but Dr. Fakile emphasizes that genetic and environmental factors often play a role.

Despite the risk factors, childhood cancer is not considered preventable. Unlike adult cancers, where lifestyle changes like avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, or getting regular screenings can help, no such measures can currently prevent pediatric cancers. However, she is quick to point out that these cancers are treatable and often curable. She highlights the efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO), particularly its Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC). This program aims to improve cancer care and increase survival rates for children by at least 60% by 2030. Nigeria, she proudly notes, became one of the focus countries for this initiative in November 2024, marking a significant step toward improving childhood cancer care in the region.      —-

Identifying childhood cancer early remains a challenge due to its non-specific symptoms. “For solid tumors,” Dr. Ogonna explains, “the symptoms are more apparent. You may notice a growth or swelling on a specific part of the body, signaling something abnormal.” However, other forms of cancer, such as blood cancer, present less obvious symptoms. These can include fever, headaches, jaundice, bleeding gums, joint pain, or enlarged organs like the liver or spleen. Tumors in the eyes or brain might manifest as poor vision, deformities, or neurological issues. Even abdominal enlargement, often associated with tumors, could be caused by other conditions like liver or kidney problems.

The non-specific nature of these symptoms means that early diagnosis often hinges on vigilance. Dr. Ugonna stresses the importance of seeking specialized care if a child’s symptoms persist despite initial treatment. “For instance, when you treat a fever and it remains refractory, meaning it’s not going away, you need to dig deeper and consult specialists,” she advises. She also critiques the common tendency in Nigeria to repeatedly treat illnesses like malaria or typhoid without exploring other potential causes.

Once a diagnosis is made, swift and specialized care is crucial. Peripheral hospitals often refer patients to tertiary centers where more advanced treatments are available. The first line of action involves early detection, adherence to treatment protocols, and regular follow-up care. Unfortunately, Dr. Ugonna notes, many families delay seeking help due to denial or turn to alternative treatments, which can compromise outcomes.

Adherence to treatment is another critical factor. For example, in cases of solid tumors, parents may abandon treatment once the tumor appears to regress. This interruption can lead to relapses or complications, undermining the chances of a full recovery. Follow-up care is equally important. After treatment, children are typically monitored for at least five years before doctors can confidently declare them cured. “We don’t give a physical certificate,” Dr. Ugonna explains with a smile, “but it’s after five years that we can boldly say the patient is cured.” She laments, however, that many patients are lost to follow-up during this crucial period.

Despite these challenges, progress is being made. Eye cancer, for instance, boasts a cure rate of over 80%, while blood cancers, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, have seen survival rates in Lagos State climb from 33% to over 60% in recent years. These improvements are thanks to advancements in medical care, better access to treatment, and heightened awareness among parents and caregivers.

Dr. Ugonna concludes by emphasizing the importance of early presentation, adherence to treatment, and consistent follow-up. “Cancer care for children is improving,” she says. “We are seeing more survivors, and with the right support, these numbers will continue to rise.” Her message is clear: childhood cancer, though daunting, is not insurmountable. By seeking early care, following medical advice, and staying committed to treatment, families can give their children the best possible chance of a full recovery.