Group puts smile on faces of kids suffering from cancer
By NJOKU ONYEKACHI JET
Wednesday, November 8, 2006

Children suffering from deadly cancer had cause to smile, when Children Living With Cancer Foundation (CLWCF) paid them a visit at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) as part of activities lined up by the organization to mark its annual cancer awareness month.

The NGO, according to its president, Dr. Mrs. Nneka Nwobbi, a pediatric physician, was formed out of deep concern for the plight of children suffering from cancer and whose parents may not have the resources to manage the disease.

CLWCF was set up to cater for children who have cancer.
Cartons of different brands of milk were donated to the patients at the Oncology unit of cancer patients. N40,000 was presented toward the treatment of Ademoyeaun Daniel, a young lad in the ward, who is suffering from wilms tumor (cancer of the kidney).

Dr. Edamisan Olusoji Temiye, consultant pediatrician in LUTH, thanked members of the NGO and expressed happiness for the support.

"‘I am happy for the effort this organization has come up with. We have been looking for many organizations in this country to support children who have cancer. Cancer treatment is labour intense and we need many NGOs that can support us," he said.

Earlier, while receiving the group in her office, Mrs. Bridget Adetola Bankole, assistant director, nursing services, had thanked members of CLWCF for their love and care. "We welcome NGOs and, indeed, this particular organization with their charity activities, especially to children. Mostly, we have NGOs come in with special emphasis with the type of children they want to see. I know this particular NGO has a soft spot for children with cancer.

At the moment, we do not have many of them lying on bed, but we have quite a large number of them coming from home who require assistance. I do know they reach out to them variously, not just through LUTH. We are grateful they are doing this".

Bankole appealed to the group, led by its coordinator, Chinwe Keanor, to continue the good work.
"I know you all are busy women, but for the fact that you just decided that today, I must put a smile on someone by just reaching out; there are blessings for that.

Whatever that has been given may be very minute in the entire things they need, but that somebody out there cares, goes a lone way. And when they need help and say, okay we have this organization, we can call them to give something and they come, it is a big relief".