Georgel Cancer Foundation Strategic Partnerships with the Church

By WALBE ORGAK

GEORGEL CANCER FOUNDATION: TURNING PAIN INTO PURPOSE TO SUPPORT CANCER PATIENTS

When tragedy strikes, some people break under the weight of grief, while others rise to turn pain into purpose. For the founder of the Gorgel Cancer Foundation, Mrs Retsum George the heart-breaking loss of her younger brother to cancer has become the driving force behind an initiative dedicated to compassion, awareness, spiritual care, and support for patients and families.

Born Out of Pain, Fuelled by Compassion

Speaking during an advocacy visit to leaders of Christian association of Nigeria Plateau State Chapter, the Founder Mrs. Retsum George narrated the painful journey that led to the birth of the Foundation.

“We lost our younger brother after a four-year battle with cancer. It was a very rough season for us as a family. We did everything possible, spent so much, prayed so hard, but in the end, God called him home. That pain, combined with my own struggles with depression and health complications afterwards, inspired me to create a platform where others would not have to go through such a journey alone,” she said.

Her testimony underscores the deep emotional, spiritual, and financial toll cancer inflicts not only on patients but also on families.

The Harsh Reality of Cancer in Nigeria

According to the World Health Organization, cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, with low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria bearing the heaviest burden due to late diagnosis and limited access to treatment.

In Nigeria, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer top the list of the most common cases. Yet, many patients only discover the disease at advanced stages because of low awareness and reluctance to undergo medical check-ups.

“In our communities, many people shy away from hospitals. They prefer self-medication or wait until it is too late. Early detection saves lives, but it can only happen when people are aware and encouraged to go for screening,” the Foundation’s leader emphasized.

A Mission beyond the Physical

While much of the Foundation’s work focuses on awareness, financial aid, and advocacy, its leaders insist that the spiritual dimension of healing is central to its mission.

Reverend Doctor David Laje who is the Treasurer of the Plateau State Christians Association Nigeria commended Georgel Cancer Foundation for also engaging spiritual aspect of cancer advocacy, noting that many believers today overlook the spiritual root of health challenges.

“Foundation is not just about meeting people’s physical needs, but their spiritual needs as well. That is one thing the church is lacking today. When we face health challenges, we often go physical first, instead of addressing the matter spiritually. Yet there is power in prayer,” he said.

He lamented that many Christians hide their health conditions from the church out of fear of gossip or stigmatization. As a result, they suffer in silence instead of finding encouragement and intercession within the body of Christ.

“I have seen God intervene in many cases. Some of our members were given a few months to live, but through prayer, their lives were extended. They eventually passed on, but not when the doctors predicted. Prayer made a difference,” he added.

According to him, spiritual maturity often equips patients to handle physical illness with greater resilience, peace, and hope. He praised the Georgel Cancer Foundation for combining compassion with experience:

“What sets this Foundation apart is that it was born out of experience, not theory. When you have had a cancer patient in your own family, you cannot take it lightly. Your compassion is deeper, your passion is real. That is why we pray that God will guide and direct this vision to ultimate performance, to the glory of His name.”

CAN Chairman Commends the Initiative

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Pastor K.B. Yonana also expressed delight over the initiative, describing it as timely, compassionate, and worthy of partnership.

“We have hope — hope that even after this life, we are going somewhere. That is one stability counselling provides. What you are doing is truly a wonderful work. We promise to partner with you and also use our own platforms to publicize this vision so more people will see it.”

He further stressed the importance of early screening and encouraged families to take preventive healthcare seriously.

“There is a cancer group that has been advocating for quick screening so that at the early stage, it can be taken care of. We will support this initiative and encourage many to embrace early detection. I always advise my children to go for medical tests. If you go early, you will have a better chance. But beyond that, the Lord will help us in Jesus’ name.”

The CAN Chairman concluded by affirming the sincerity of the Foundation’s mission.

“This is a very serious matter you have put your heart into. It is clear you are doing this not for personal gain but because of compassion and experience. We pray that God will strengthen and bless this work so it can touch more lives.”

Strategic Partnerships with the Church

The Founder of Georgel Cancer Foundation has called for collaboration with CAN and other faith-based organizations to leverage the church’s influence in the fight against cancer.

She stressed that churches and fellowships could play vital roles in:

•           Creating awareness about cancer prevention and early detection.

•           Offering counselling and prayer support for patients and families.

•           Raising financial assistance to ease the burden of costly treatment.

•           Using CAN’s strong voice to advocate for government healthcare policies that favour patients.

“Cancer is not a journey anyone should go through alone. Patients need a hand to hold, both physically and spiritually. With CAN’s platform, we can raise awareness, mobilize support, and let people know they are not forgotten,” she said.

She also urged youth and women’s ministries to take ownership of preventive education, particularly against breast and cervical cancers, which affect women disproportionately.

Looking Ahead: October Awareness Drive

As October, the global Breast Cancer Awareness Month, approaches, the Foundation is preparing a series of programmes that will combine free medical screenings with prayer sessions, counselling, and evangelism.

The Founder stressed that the mission goes beyond physical health.

“We want to touch lives holistically — body, mind, and spirit. Through this Foundation, we believe people can find healing, hope, and even repentance. That is our ultimate prayer.”

The Georgel Cancer Foundation may be new, but its roots run deep in personal sacrifice, spiritual conviction, and faith. With partnerships, community support, and God’s grace, the Foundation hopes to grow into a beacon of hope for cancer patients across Nigeria.

“It won’t be easy, but it is our prayer that God will raise this Foundation to a place where we will be financially strong to support patients, show compassion, create awareness, and ultimately save lives,” the Founder concluded.