Abuja: The BRICON Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has stressed the need for cancer patients and survivors to embrace life beyond diagnosis, treatment, and surgery. Mrs. Abigail Simon-Hart, a Co-founder of the foundation, made this known at the 10th anniversary of the foundation held at Eko Hotel, Lagos, on Saturday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Simon-Hart, a breast cancer survivor who co-founded the foundation with Dr. Niyi Adekeye in 2016, said surviving cancer should open a new chapter of hope, purpose, and possibilities. She emphasized the importance of positive reinforcement and support structures to help survivors move forward after cancer, highlighting the value of being with other survivors and support systems to start life afresh.
The foundation was established to improve cancer care, raise awareness, and help patients and their families through support, access to care, financial aid, education, and advocacy. Simon-Hart elaborated on the foundation’s support, which extends
beyond treatment, with its RISE programme providing grants to help survivors restart their businesses and get back on their feet. BRICON also supports children of cancer survivors with scholarships and provides practical assistance such as food-bank donations.
Over the years, the foundation has been successful in alleviating the financial and emotional burdens associated with cancer for women who have come in contact with them. The 10th anniversary of the foundation created opportunities for survivors to share experiences, relax, celebrate life, and look beyond cancer-related challenges. More than 100 cancer survivors participated in activities organized to commemorate the anniversary, including those who had battled breast, cervical, throat, and colorectal cancers.
Simon-Hart shared her personal experience with cancer, saying it had strengthened her understanding of the importance of support among survivors. She urged patients not to allow stigma and shame surrounding cancer diagnosis to prevent them from
seeking help or speaking about their experiences. She emphasized that cancer is not a death sentence and encouraged speaking out to get timely help.
Dr. Niyi Adekeye, a co-founder of BRICON Foundation, highlighted the organization’s support for survivors through screening, treatment, medication, surgeries, education, training, and micro-grants. The foundation also recognizes the impact of cancer on families, supporting husbands and children of patients through various initiatives. Adekeye, whose father died of cancer, mentioned the distribution of mastectomy bras and prosthetics to over 300 people as part of their 10th-anniversary activities. He noted that the foundation had impacted over 1,000 lives through its interventions since inception but identified funding as a major challenge.
Beneficiaries like Mrs. Iwalade Adeorimi and Mrs. Akindele Ajoke shared their gratitude for the support received from BRICON during their battles with cancer. They praised the foundation for its assistance and emotional suppo
rt, urging others diagnosed with cancer not to withdraw due to stigma. The anniversary event featured vocational training, fashion parades by survivors, recognition awards to donors, and various competitions, among other activities.