By Chioma Obinna

The founder of the Children Living With Cancer Foundation (CLWCF), Dr. Nneka Nwobbi, at the weekend called for increased support for Nigerian children battling cancer.

Nwobbi, who made the call during the foundation’s 2024 Christmas party for children living with cancer at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), lamented the financial strain placed on families due to Nigeria’s current economic climate.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 400,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer annually.

Nwobbi emphasised the need for greater compassion and support for these children and their families, particularly during the festive season.

 “Childhood cancer is something that takes the life of so many children, and Christmas is a time that is great for celebrating the coming of Christ and it’s the time for love, peace, giving, and unity. Bringing joy to every person you can possibly bring joy to. I’ve been celebrating Christmas with these children for the past 20 years and it has been just awesome and looking at what we had to share not just for the children.

“The giving of people this time was too much. Luckily, before we had the party inside the ward, but this time we brought the children out to see them try to participate even as they were sick. That joy you can see on these children’s faces—nothing can buy that. Nothing surpasses that. It was a joyful time for me and the children. The ballet dancers were there too. The children were happy to have that. I’m just so happy, and it’s the purpose of this celebration, celebrating Christmas with children living with cancer.”

The event, which marked the 20th anniversary of the foundation’s Christmas celebrations, featured various activities and performances to bring joy to the young patients.

She encouraged the children to remain hopeful and find joy in the present moment, assuring them of ongoing support from the foundation.

Nwobbi also addressed the challenges faced by parents, urging them to maintain open communication with their children and to prioritise their emotional well-being.

She called on Nigerians to contribute to the foundation’s efforts in any way possible, whether through financial donations, volunteering, or providing in-kind support.

“My message to the children is to receive as much joy as you can and give as much joy as you can. I don’t think it’s a child’s place to worry about the child’s health and well-being. Children should be able to talk to their parents about how they feel and the parents should listen and have an open mind to hear what the children have to say. Some of these children are so scared to talk to their parents because they don’t want to make them unhappy.

“Most parents whose children have cancer are really unhappy and sad. But the mothers were dancing at the party so it was fantastic and awesome.   I know that it’s tough being a parent in Nigeria at this time. Hospital bills are out of this world and the admission fee has gone up.  They should never stop telling the children that they love them.

“I know that most of the parents shed tears when their children are not around them. If you can do that, always show a smiling face to your child so that the child can open up to you and tell you what he or she is feeling. It’s good to express one’s fears and unhappiness. If you keep showing how unhappy you are, how sad you are to the children, it may be difficult for them to open up to us.”

She called for more donations to assist the children and said: “Even if you don’t donate to our charity, there’s always a way. Yesterday, when the Knights of Saint John came, we compiled the list of the most immediate children, and they donated N200,000 to each. A particular bank and account number is made for each child, and the money is put in that account. Having done that, whatever money is paid there is used for that child’s treatment and healthcare.”

“We have birthday parties every last Saturday of the month for them too. You can join in and buy a tray of apples when you are coming and give it to the children. Bring natural food for the children. You can bake a cake without additives and sugar for the children. If you are a financial expert, you can come and give these parents a talk on their finances, on how to make the best of whatever they have to create wealth. In every capacity, we need you.”

Speaking, President of the Knights of Saint John, Ajao Estate, Nobel (Sir) Fidel Ononoju, expressed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the children and their families.

He emphasised the importance of compassion and generosity, urging individuals to assist those in need, especially during the holiday season.

Also, the Chair of the Seven-Fifteen Foundation highlighted the organisation’s dedication to supporting children and young adults.

She emphasised the significant impact of financial support on cancer survival rates, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Belo-Osagie encouraged families to remain hopeful and assured them of the foundation’s ongoing support.