ESLF FOUNDER GIVES FINANCIAL SUPPORT & CARE TO CANCER PATIENTS IN MAKURDI IN GLOBAL FIGHT AGAINST CANCER.

20 cancer patients today received financial support, care and counsel from the Founder, Eunice Spring of Life Foundation (ESLF) and State First Lady, Dr. Eunice Ortom to aid their chemotherapy and other cancer treatment in various hospitals in Makurdi, Benue State.

Dr. Ortom who presented various amounts ranging from two hundred and fifty thousand naira (N250,000) to five hundred thousand naira (N500,000) to each of the beneficiaries made some presentations at the ESLF head office in Makurdi and presented others at the bedsides of patients currently undergoing treatment at both the Federal Medical Centre and Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi.

The State First Lady who stressed the need for periodic screening and testing for cancer, added that such proactive measures were key to curbing the cancer scourge in addition to eating fruits and avoiding none processed food to boost the immune system.

The ESLF Founder stressed that ESLF remains committed to raising awareness about cancer and supporting cancer patients hence the decision to give financial support to ameliorate the plight of 20 cancer patients this year in line with the Foundation’s commitment to catering for the vulnerable.

Mindful that cancer also takes a psychological toll on patients even beyond its financial strain, Dr. Ortom gave the beneficiaries assurances of genuine care, prayers and solidarity as they undergo the rigour of treatment. “You are not alone”, she reassured them.

She expressed appreciation to the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), various cancer experts and organisations for partnering with ESLF in its war against the cancer scourge.

Making his remarks, Consultant Oncologist, Dr. Samuel Otene who revealed that “most families were only a cancer away from penury” in view of its financially demanding treatment, commended the Governor’s wife for taking a huge chunk of this burden through her substantial financial support which he described as “a huge relief for patients”.

Dr. Otene who maintained that voluntary screening and testing for cancer before any sign or symptom shows, remains the best antidote to cancer, advised people with a family history of cancer and who had turned 40 to make it a point of duty to go for regular check-up.

Also, Chief Medical Director of FMC Makurdi, represented by Dr. Enyi Agada and his counterpart at BSUTH, Prof. Terrumun Swende who both received the First Lady in their various hospitals thanked her for showing so much love and support for their patients.

On her part, Chairperson of MWAN Benue State, Dr. Tongriang Ben-Ameh, who thanked Dr. Ortom “for championing the fight against cancer”, urged her to continue doing the good deeds she was known for and affirmed that the First Lady’s partnership with MWAN had given a boost to the association’s cancer advocacy.

Appreciating the First Lady for the financial assistance they had received beneficiaries including Mrs. Abya Alu, Bridget Akaazua, Martina Agwa and Dorcas Terwase said it was a huge relief for them.

On their part, Mrs. Lilian Otse, Helen Musa and 76-year-old Adzande Jijingi thanked Dr. Ortom for the surprise package which had given them another lease of life.

Two breast cancer survivors, Florence Peter and Bibiana Orpin who spoke earlier narrated that they were devastated when they were diagnosed with cancer but added that after undergoing treatment that restored their health and hearing the reassurances from the State First Lady, their faith that they could live long enough beyond the odds of any form of cancer had received a great boost.