Saved and Sent: A Survivor’s Journey to Helping Others with Leukemia
Discharged from the hospital ward to the clinic, I finally tasted freedom and normalcy. After months of battling leukemia, my visits to the clinic were now a testament to my resilience and a sign of hope. This transition marked not just my recovery but also the beginning of a new mission: to support and educate ethnic minority groups about cancer, inspired by my hospital experience.
During my stay, I noticed a tragic pattern: many patients from ethnic minority backgrounds, like myself, suffered more due to a lack of awareness and the scarcity of blood or stem cell donors. This realization fueled my passion to establish a charity aimed at these communities. By the grace of God, in 2020, Forward Drive Health was born—a non-profit dedicated to cancer education, awareness, and support in Nigeria.
Returning home was both joyous and nerve-wracking. Each clinic visit brought mixed emotions—relief from progress and fear of relapse. Yet, my spirit was bolstered by the wonderful nurses and doctors who saw potential in my recovery journey. My consultant even asked if I would volunteer to encourage other patients, an honor and a new responsibility that I eagerly accepted.
In the wards, I met three unforgettable patients whose stories shaped my mission. The first was a Nigerian man, angry and hostile, refusing treatment. Through shared experiences and personal testimonies, I broke through his anger, helping him embrace his treatment and develop a positive outlook.
The second was a Ghanaian woman, a fellow patient whose struggle was heartbreaking. She relapsed and eventually succumbed to the disease, a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for supportive care systems. Her death, particularly due to the lack of a matching stem cell donor, underscored the importance of our mission at Forward Drive Health.
The third patient was a young woman who found love amidst her treatment. Despite her bravery and the unwavering support of her fiancé, she too relapsed and passed away shortly after their wedding. These encounters, though often filled with sorrow, reinforced my resolve to be a beacon of hope and support for others.
For seven years, I was in remission, monitored closely by my medical team. This period allowed me to travel to Nigeria, reconnect with my roots, and earn a living, though it came with its own set of challenges. Living through cancer changed me profoundly, affecting every aspect of my life, including my career and emotional well-being.
In 2013, I was fully discharged from regular monitoring, believing my battle with cancer was over. Little did I know, another challenge awaited, but for now, I focused on my new role—helping others navigate their own cancer journeys. This is my story, a testament to faith, resilience, and the power of community support.
For those looking to support and learn more about leukemia and our ongoing efforts to help those affected, you can find my detailed account and insights in my book, available on Amazon. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against leukemia.