Marking a milestone of fifteen years of dedicated humanitarian and healthcare interventions, the Anambra State Association, Women in USA, Inc. (ASA Women USA) and the ASA Women USA Cancer Coalition in Nigeria have provided vital medical grants to some eight breast cancer survivors to assist with their treatment and recovery, reports ITREALMS.
The high-profile 2026 Grant Presentation ceremony, held at the Patgelina Event Centre in Ebute Metta, Lagos, was co-hosted and chaired by the President of the Association of Anambra State Development Unions (AASDU-Lagos), Chief (Sir) Amechi Ebeledike, (Ikedinigwe).
Organized under the poignant theme "Inspiring Journeys through Breast Cancer," the event celebrated the strength, tenacity, and courage of survivors in breaking the barriers of silence surrounding the disease.
In her welcome address, Dr. (Mrs.) Anthonia Uche Umeh, the Founder and President of ASA Women USA, highlighted the severe healthcare disparities that continue to threaten the lives of women in Nigeria.
"The Nigerian National Cancer Registry indicates that the 5-year survival rate for women with breast cancer in Nigeria is significantly lower, estimated at approximately 25-40%, depending on the region and stage at diagnosis," Dr. Umeh revealed. "In contrast, the 5-year relative survival rate for women with breast cancer in the United States is approximately 90-91%."
Dr. Umeh emphasized that while Nigeria technically experiences a lower overall incidence of breast and cervical cancer, the country faces significantly higher mortality rates primarily due to late-stage diagnosis and limited access to affordable treatment.
Since the organization's inception in 2011, ASA Women USA, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, has actively worked to rewrite this narrative by strengthening healthcare infrastructure and lowering financial barriers for indigent patients.
Over its 15-year history, ITREALMS gathered, the association has dedicated eight full years to intensive cancer and maternal health medical missions, delivering critical medical and surgical services to more than 30,000 individuals in Anambra State.
The group's continuous efforts include donating diagnostic equipment to state hospitals and directly paying off outstanding hospital bills for patients in need.
Notably, since 2021, the coalition has supported over 150 breast and cervical cancer patients through the Anambra State health insurance scheme by providing direct financial grants for specialized treatments.
These interventions, ITREALMS equally gathered, are funded through international collaborations, including partnerships with the Global Giving foundation, donations to a cancer center in Washington DC, and targeted fundraising campaigns such as pink dinners and annual 5K Walks for Hope held across both the US and Nigeria.
The apex of the ceremony saw the official distribution of healthcare grants to a cohort of eight breast cancer survivors to fund their ongoing care to the tune of N1m each, effectively alleviating the financial burdens of their medical battles.
The beneficiaries honored included Kate (from Amichi town, Nnewi South LGA, Anambra State), Uchenna (from Upper Iweka, Onitsha South LGA, Anambra State), Sandra (from Awgbu Town, Orumba North LGA, Anambra State), Uju (from Utuh Town, Nnewi South LGA, Anambra State), Blessing (from Ifite-Ogwari Town, Ayamelum LGA, Anambra State), Ngozika (from Abacha Town, Idemili North LGA, Anambra State), Esther (from Amaizu Town, Afikpo North LGA, Ebonyi State), and Nkechi (from Oraukwu Town, Idemili North LGA, Anambra State).
Looking toward the future, Dr. Umeh shared that the organization has acquired land to establish the permanent Hope Cancer Center (HCC) in Anambra State, in strategic partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi and Career Haven.
The center will serve as a sanctuary for strengthening the healthcare of indigent women and children, "one person at a time.
In his remarks as event chairman, AASDU-Lagos President Chief (Sir) Amechi Ebeledike commended the absolute dedication, determination, and doggedness of the arrowheads of the mission. He reiterated the commitment of town unions to stand behind such life-saving healthcare advocacy.
The event featured compelling insights from distinguished guest speakers. Director, University of Nigeria Centre of Excellence for Clinical Trials (UNNCECT) and President of BWS Cancer and NCD NGO, Emeritus Professor Ifeoma Okoye delivered the keynote address on the theme "Inspiring Journeys Through Breast Cancer". Special motivational speaker and Executive Chair, Growth Mindset and Integrative Lifestyle Academy, Dr. Ifeyinwa Nwakwesi equally inspired the participants at the occasion.
Dr. Umeh concluded the ceremony by offering deep appreciation to the National Executive Board, planning committees, donors, and the grassroots women of the coalition who worked seamlessly to bring the impactful event to fruition.
Gbemi Omotoso/Editor
Organized under the poignant theme "Inspiring Journeys through Breast Cancer," the event celebrated the strength, tenacity, and courage of survivors in breaking the barriers of silence surrounding the disease.
In her welcome address, Dr. (Mrs.) Anthonia Uche Umeh, the Founder and President of ASA Women USA, highlighted the severe healthcare disparities that continue to threaten the lives of women in Nigeria.
"The Nigerian National Cancer Registry indicates that the 5-year survival rate for women with breast cancer in Nigeria is significantly lower, estimated at approximately 25-40%, depending on the region and stage at diagnosis," Dr. Umeh revealed. "In contrast, the 5-year relative survival rate for women with breast cancer in the United States is approximately 90-91%."
Dr. Umeh emphasized that while Nigeria technically experiences a lower overall incidence of breast and cervical cancer, the country faces significantly higher mortality rates primarily due to late-stage diagnosis and limited access to affordable treatment.
Since the organization's inception in 2011, ASA Women USA, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, has actively worked to rewrite this narrative by strengthening healthcare infrastructure and lowering financial barriers for indigent patients.
Over its 15-year history, ITREALMS gathered, the association has dedicated eight full years to intensive cancer and maternal health medical missions, delivering critical medical and surgical services to more than 30,000 individuals in Anambra State.
The group's continuous efforts include donating diagnostic equipment to state hospitals and directly paying off outstanding hospital bills for patients in need.
Notably, since 2021, the coalition has supported over 150 breast and cervical cancer patients through the Anambra State health insurance scheme by providing direct financial grants for specialized treatments.
These interventions, ITREALMS equally gathered, are funded through international collaborations, including partnerships with the Global Giving foundation, donations to a cancer center in Washington DC, and targeted fundraising campaigns such as pink dinners and annual 5K Walks for Hope held across both the US and Nigeria.
The apex of the ceremony saw the official distribution of healthcare grants to a cohort of eight breast cancer survivors to fund their ongoing care to the tune of N1m each, effectively alleviating the financial burdens of their medical battles.
The beneficiaries honored included Kate (from Amichi town, Nnewi South LGA, Anambra State), Uchenna (from Upper Iweka, Onitsha South LGA, Anambra State), Sandra (from Awgbu Town, Orumba North LGA, Anambra State), Uju (from Utuh Town, Nnewi South LGA, Anambra State), Blessing (from Ifite-Ogwari Town, Ayamelum LGA, Anambra State), Ngozika (from Abacha Town, Idemili North LGA, Anambra State), Esther (from Amaizu Town, Afikpo North LGA, Ebonyi State), and Nkechi (from Oraukwu Town, Idemili North LGA, Anambra State).
Looking toward the future, Dr. Umeh shared that the organization has acquired land to establish the permanent Hope Cancer Center (HCC) in Anambra State, in strategic partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi and Career Haven.
The center will serve as a sanctuary for strengthening the healthcare of indigent women and children, "one person at a time.
In his remarks as event chairman, AASDU-Lagos President Chief (Sir) Amechi Ebeledike commended the absolute dedication, determination, and doggedness of the arrowheads of the mission. He reiterated the commitment of town unions to stand behind such life-saving healthcare advocacy.
The event featured compelling insights from distinguished guest speakers. Director, University of Nigeria Centre of Excellence for Clinical Trials (UNNCECT) and President of BWS Cancer and NCD NGO, Emeritus Professor Ifeoma Okoye delivered the keynote address on the theme "Inspiring Journeys Through Breast Cancer". Special motivational speaker and Executive Chair, Growth Mindset and Integrative Lifestyle Academy, Dr. Ifeyinwa Nwakwesi equally inspired the participants at the occasion.
Dr. Umeh concluded the ceremony by offering deep appreciation to the National Executive Board, planning committees, donors, and the grassroots women of the coalition who worked seamlessly to bring the impactful event to fruition.
Gbemi Omotoso/Editor
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