By Kemi Akintokun
BRICON Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has stressed the need to empower and integrate cancer survivors into society to restore their sense of belonging and living.
Co-founder, Mrs Abigail Simon-Hart, made the call on Saturday at the 2025 Cancer Survivor Conference, organised by the foundation and themed ‘Together we RISE’ in Lagos.
According to her, cancer survivors deserve the same level of attention given during treatment to help them overcome challenges and ease their financial burden from treatment costs.
“Life after cancer deserves as much attention as treatment. Survival is not just about defeating cancer, but also about rebuilding lives,” she said.
She explained that many cancer patients lose everything during treatment, noting that cancer is financially toxic, leaving survivors struggling to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
“We must help them get back on their feet so they become valuable members of the community and society at large,” Simon-Hart added.
The advocate, also a survivor, said the conference created opportunities for survivors to share experiences and access support programmes aimed at restoring stability and confidence.
Simon-Hart said the foundation, co-founded with Dr Niyi Adekeye in 2016, was established to support cancer patients, their families, and address gaps in cancer care.
She added that the foundation had raised over N100 million, trained healthcare workers, distributed mastectomy wear, and supported survivors’ children in schools, among other interventions.
“We have trained over 500 healthcare workers on palliative care and breaking bad news, and provided food support to hundreds of families of cancer patients,” she said.
Adekeye, co-founder, announced the unveiling of BRICON’s innovative micro-grant programme to rehabilitate, empower, and integrate survivors, in partnership with Beiersdorf Nivea’s Moments of Care initiative.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nivea donated over N46 million to the foundation during the conference.
Adekeye said the partnership aims to provide survivors with grants and mentoring, positioning them as entrepreneurs, workers, and leaders within their communities.
He commended Nivea for its generosity, noting that the donation would help survivors complete treatment and return to productive business and community life.
“Previously, we received support from individuals and companies, but what we got from Nivea is the largest donation so far,” Adekeye said.
He emphasised that survivorship must become a central pillar of Nigeria’s cancer response, alongside early detection, accessible treatment, and quality palliative care.
“What we are doing at BRICON is close to our hearts. My co-founder is a survivor, my sister too, and I lost my father to cancer,” he added.
Mr Dele Adeyole, Country Head of Beiersdorf Nivea Nigeria, said the initiative aligns with the company’s global social responsibility focus.
Adeyole noted that the partnership shows Nivea’s commitment to extending care beyond skincare, by investing in communities and making meaningful impact in people’s lives.
Also speaking, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser on Health to the Lagos State Governor, stressed the need for private-public partnerships to ensure wider access to cancer care.
Ogunyemi said plans were underway to expand access to cancer treatment across the state.
NAN reports that a training session titled ‘Small Business, Big Vision’ was also organised for participants at the conference. (NAN)
Edited by Joy Mbachi / Kamal Tayo Oropo
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