RUN4NIMO 2025 BEGINS
UDEME ABBA@udemeabba089100
7 days ago
🧩 Origin & Mission
Founded in memory of Akanimo Shayne Ekanem, who lost his life to a rare childhood cancer (DSRCT) at age 12 .
A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, its mission is clear:
Raise awareness that childhood cancer is real, treatable, and curable.
Provide support to affected children and families (medical, financial, emotional).
Encourage and fund research to improve outcomes and treatments .
🌍 Vision & Story
Their vision: A world where no child dies of cancer .
Born out of personal tragedy, the foundation also tackles cultural stigma around cancer in Nigeria, emphasizing early detection and education .
🎯 Key Initiatives in Nigeria
Patient Treatment Program: Financial aid for chemotherapy, scans, surgeries, radiotherapy, nutrition, accommodation, and transport—currently helping around 10 children across five Nigerian hospitals .
Awareness campaigns: Nationwide road walks and events in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Uyo, Ibadan, Port Harcourt to highlight early signs and reduce stigma .
Support programs: Bereavement support, comfort boxes, holiday parties, volunteer training, and ongoing online awareness .
🚀 Partnerships & Impact
Collaborating with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and National Cancer Control Programme to include childhood cancer in the national Cancer Health Fund (targeted for 2025) .
Official partnerships for International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) highlight their national advocacy reach .
💡 Why It Matters
Childhood cancer accounts for 7.2% of Nigeria’s ~127,000 annual cancer cases, yet many diagnoses are delayed due to misinformation or inaccessibility .
When detected early, survival rates can reach 80%—but only with timely diagnosis, access to care, and systemic support --
✅ How You Can Help
1. Donate or fundraise: Contributions support medical treatment, logistics, and research.
2. Volunteer or advocate: Join campaigns, awareness events, or policy efforts.
3. Spread awareness: Share early-warning signs and support networks.
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🔍 Bottom Line
Akanimo Cancer Foundation is more than a tribute—it’s a catalyst for change in childhood cancer care in Nigeria. Through heartfelt advocacy, direct support, and influential partnerships, it’s positively transforming outcomes and challenging deeply-held cultural stigmas around cancer.
#awareness #fundraising #akanimocancerfoundation #run4nimo2025 #nirclefamily #nirclestory #nirclecommunity
