Stakeholders seek support for children living with cancer

Stakeholders have called on Nigerians to show support to children living with cancer in order to boost their morale in the fight against the disease.

The made the call during a Christmas party organized for children living with cancer held at the paediatric oncology ward of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, (LUTH), Idi-araba recently, organised by The Dorcas Cancer Foundation (TDCF).

The event had gospel artistes who performed to the excitement of the children and parents, while bringing back alive, their confidence to conquer the disease. They include, Tope Alabi, Olumide Iyun, Nikky Laoye and Kemi Odutola.

The Founder, TDCF, Joseph Adedayo, who is also a Clinical Radiation Oncologist, stated that it is important to celebrate and recognise children living with cancer, as it will revive their hope living and boot their confidence of fight the disease.

“The children are celebrated because it is imperative, while other children are at home having fun, these children with cancer are in the hospital, having surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, going through things that you cannot even imagine.“They need to know that they have not being forgotten no matter what they go through. They deserve to have fun and be happy,” she stressed.

Kemi, who is the Chief Executive Officer, RMT Productions, said she feel passionate showing support to children with cancer, as it is very significant.She said: “It is a privilege for us to support them because it encourages and shows them that we actually care for their situation. It is not out of pity but out of the fact that we are one, if we are healthy we can also encourage them in whatever situation they find themselves in, whether cancer or other health challenges.She, however, encouraged the children to keep fighting cancer, as most people have conquered the diseases and are now called survivors.

Commending the initiative, Obielu Perpetual, a mother of a cancer survivor, Emmanuel, called on Nigerians to show support in all ramifications to children suffering from the disease, as it would help the children in conquering the diseases, but also encourage their parents.