By Maria Famakinwa
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In order to further give hope to Breast cancer patients in the state, the wife of Ondo State Governor, and founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN),  Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu -Akeredolu has paid a courtesy visit to the State Head of Service (HOS), Mr Toyin Akinkuotu to plead for the payment of breast cancer victims’ gratuities so that they could care for themselves.

Mrs Akeredolu who was joined by BRECAN members, breast cancer patients and survivors in the State urged the HOS to do everything possible to prioritise the demands of breast cancer victims who diligently served the state to get their gratuity.

While explaining that treating breast cancer is expensive, she said,” Some of the cancer victims do not have money to start the test talkless of other treatments which cost millions of naira. The assessment alone according to Dr Aba Katung of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owo cost N600,000 aside other treatments.

“Although, no budget line for the office of the First Lady yet, I cannot tell a victim of breast cancer to go without figuring out how to assist such person financially, knowing fully well what the person is passing through being a survivor. That is why I came up with the idea of crowd funding for people to donate at least N200 to assist breast cancer victims.

“Everyone who had experienced cancer of any form will tell you that if one is affected, every member of the family feels traumatized, hence, the support of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to establish a befitting World -Class cancer treatment centre in Owo. We want you to fast track the payment of gratuities to breast cancer victims because there are things survivor needs to eat to prolong their lives. We cannot eat anyhow because it is not good for our health.”

The Coordinator, Team Survivor Nigeria who is also a breast cancer survivor, Mrs Oluwatoyin Oluwagbamila appreciated the First Lady for supporting breast cancer victims financially stressing that if not for her financial support, she would probably have faced greater challenges.

Mrs Oluwagbamila also pleaded with the HOS To help cancer victims who had retired across the state to access good health care by paying their gratuities.

In his response, the HOS who said that he was delighted because it was the first time he would be visited by the wife of the Governor, promised to meet with Governor Akeredolu and discuss how to pay the gratuities of breast cancer victims in the state.

His words, “We are very proud of you for all you have been doing like helping young girls to actualise their dreams, addressing poverty among women through Forums for Wives of Ondo State Officials and Women Political Appointees (FOWOSO) and helping breast cancer  victims across the state financially.