Denise, Nigeria
A Journey of Hope: My Battle Against Cancer and the Fight for Others
For years, my life revolved around education and leadership, shaping young minds and building institutions. I thrived on making a difference, helping others reach their potential. But nothing—absolutely nothing—could have prepared me for the battle that would redefine everything I knew about strength, resilience, and purpose.
In 2016, I was at the peak of my career, leading an educational consultancy and spearheading initiatives to improve learning strategies. Then, my world tilted on its axis. I received a cancer diagnosis. It wasn’t just a medical condition; it was a life-altering moment that redefined who I was. One day, I was a leader, an advocate for education. The next, I was a patient, forced to navigate a healthcare system that was riddled with challenges—limited treatment options, exorbitant costs, and the crushing emotional weight of a disease that carried so much stigma in our society.
As I sat in hospital waiting rooms, I saw the faces of countless others fighting the same battle—people struggling not just with their health but with the financial and emotional burden that came with it. Many were left without options, forced to choose between basic survival and life-saving treatments. It was a painful reality, one that I couldn’t ignore.
Cancer did not just change me; it awakened something inside me. I realized that my struggle had to mean something beyond my personal fight. I founded the Cormode Cancer Foundation (CCF) in 2019 —a non-profit dedicated to cancer awareness, patient advocacy, and support. I refused to let another patient go through this battle feeling isolated, helpless, and unheard.
Through CCF, I began reaching out to survivors, caregivers, and medical professionals to start a much-needed conversation about cancer in Nigeria. We launched awareness campaigns, held community outreach programs in various Nigerian languages (Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa), and took our advocacy to television programes and online platforms. Slowly but surely, we started breaking the silence, dismantling myths, and providing real hope to those in need.
Despite our efforts, the statistics remain heartbreaking. In 2025, Nigeria allocated only N150 million for cancer care—a budget that could barely cover treatment for fewer than 20 patients. The stark reality? Thousands of Nigerians are left without access to proper care, and many lose their lives simply because they cannot afford treatment. This is unacceptable.
This reality fuels my fight. I have dedicated myself to partnering with organizations, lobbying for policy changes, and amplifying the voices of survivors in Nigeria and the UK. Every fundraiser, every awareness campaign, and every advocacy effort is a step closer to ensuring that more people get the treatment they deserve.
Cancer is more than just a diagnosis; it is a journey—one that tests every part of your being. But through this experience, I have found not just struggle, but strength. Not just fear, but resilience. And most importantly, not just pain, but faith and purpose.
As we mark World Cancer Day, I urge you: Take action. Be the voice for those who cannot speak. Support cancer patients. Advocate for better healthcare policies. Together, we can change the narrative and give hope to those who need it most.
Because cancer does not define us—our fight, our courage, and our unity do.
#UnitedByHope #WorldCancerDay #CancerAwareness #NoPatientLeftBehind