Lagos: The BRICON Foundation, a non-governmental organization, has extended its support to breast cancer survivors by donating free mastectomy bras and breast prostheses at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. This initiative is a part of the foundation’s 10-year anniversary celebrations aimed at assisting those who have undergone breast removal surgery.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Abigail Simon-Hart, Co-Founder of the foundation and a breast cancer survivor herself, emphasized the importance of providing holistic support to cancer patients. She highlighted that life after cancer requires as much attention as the treatment process itself. The donation included 600 breast prostheses and 300 bras, underscoring the foundation’s commitment to helping survivors rebuild their lives post-surgery.
Simon-Hart elaborated on the foundation’s decade-long efforts in supporting cancer patients through various means such as treatment, counselling, education, microgrants, scholarships, a food bank, and training for medical professionals. Since its inception in 2016, the foundation has provided microgrants to 27 patients for restarting small businesses and facilitated the return of 10 others to school through scholarship programs. Additionally, over 450 doctors and nurses have received training on cancer awareness and care, reflecting the foundation’s comprehensive approach to cancer support.
Dr. Niyi Adekeye, another Co-founder of BRICON Foundation, described the donation as a special intervention marking the foundation’s decade of dedication to cancer patients. He revealed plans for a similar donation in Ogun State in partnership with ‘SMALLS for All’, which contributed bras and prostheses valued at N50 million.
The event also saw contributions from Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser on Health to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu, who praised the initiative and stressed the importance of prevention and early detection in combating cancer. Ogunyemi encouraged residents to leverage the Ilera Eko scheme for better healthcare access.
Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, commended the foundation for its altruistic efforts and announced plans to enhance the hospital’s cancer care services with the introduction of radiotherapy.
Beneficiary Mrs. Lateefat Atunbi expressed gratitude for the donation, sharing her inability to afford a breast prosthesis due to its cost, which ranges between N30,000 to N50,000. The foundation’s support has provided her with much-needed relief and assistance in her recovery journey.