FOUNDER SHARES PERSONAL JOURNEY OF LOSS AND DETERMINATION
Retsum George, CEO and Founder of
the Georgel Cancer Foundation, unveiled the organization's deeply personal
origins, born from the profound pain of losing her younger brother's to cancer
after a four-year battle. Speaking at the foundation's introduction, George
recounted the stark lack of support and resources during that challenging
period, igniting a resolve to establish an entity to fill this critical void.
"The Georgel Cancer Foundation
is named in honour of my brother, Longkat and my father, George – a testament
to the personal journey that led us to this mission," Retsum George said.
With unflinching candour, she shared his struggles with pregnancy loss, ensuing
depression, and trauma, underscoring the imperative of grief support for those
navigating such hardships.
ADDRESSING CANCER AS A PANDEMIC
IMPACTING FAMILIES
Retsum emphasized cancer's toll on
countless families, driving the foundation's focus on awareness, impactful
campaigns, and support for individuals and families grappling with the disease.
"It's about recognizing the emotional, mental, and practical tolls of
cancer – and meeting those needs with compassion and expertise," she
noted.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM POISED FOR
COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT
Introducing NGO team, Retsum George
highlighted the board of trustees' blend of expertise, including oncology
doctors and Nurse, mental health specialist,
– positioning the Georgel Cancer Foundation for holistic care.
Also speaking an oncology Nurse Mrs.
Yilwatda, a leading team member of the Georgel Cancer Foundation, appealed to
the Plateau State Primary Health Care Board for a strategic partnership to
bolster cancer prevention, early detection, and support services. She
underscored the foundation's mission to advocate for cancer prevention, support
patients, and dismantle disease stigma.
"Cancer poses a formidable
public health challenge in Nigeria, with late presentations often stemming from
limited awareness, stigma, and psychological burdens," Mrs. Yilwatda
noted.
- *Capacity Building: Training
officers in primary health facilities as frontline cancer inquiry contacts.
- Screening and Referral*:
Equipping officers for basic screenings like clinical breast exams and swift
referrals.
- Community Outreach: Leading
awareness campaigns for education and stigma reduction.
- National Alignment: Aligns with
Nigeria's National Strategic Cancer Control Plan (2023-2027) for decentralized
prevention and early detection.
CHALLENGES AND SUPPORT SOUGHT
Mrs. Yilwatda highlighted gaps in
Plateau State's cancer screening availability and affordability, seeking the
Board's technical guidance, initiative endorsement, officer recognition, and
aid with outreach materials – targeting Pink October breast cancer awareness.
FOUNDATION'S PERSPECTIVE
"The Georgel Cancer Foundation
perceives an imperative to uplift cancer prevention, detection, and access in
Plateau State," Mrs. Retsum and Nurse Yilwatda seek collaboration, noting
that partnership with the Primary Health Care Board is instrumental to weaving
cancer awareness into primary care."
No comments:
Post a Comment