A Shelter of Strength: The Lagos Childhood Cancer Caregiver Home

The Federal Medical Center (FMC) in Lagos is one of Nigeria’s premier hospitals for treating childhood cancer. Many parents and caregivers travel from across Nigeria to seek treatment here.

According to Past District Governor (PDG) Kema Benedicta Ashibuogwu, “Many children diagnosed with cancer come from outside Lagos State and do not have relatives or friends to stay with during diagnosis and treatment. Often, even when cancer is identified and could be operated on to save a child, parents or caregivers end up abandoning treatment and leaving the hospital due to the uncomfortable living conditions they face, such as staying in car parks or along corridors for days without bathing.”

These unfortunate circumstances led to avoidable child deaths. During a visit with Lions, PDG Ashibuogwu asked about the children’s most urgent need. Professor Edamisan O. Temiye of the Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Lagos mentioned the essential need for a caregiver home. This facility would lower the death rate, ensure proper care for the children and offer their caregivers a safe place to stay.

PDG Ashibuogwu, the grant administrator for this project, was surprised a simple intervention could make such a difference. Following this visit, Lions in District 404B1 decided they could put an end to some of these preventable child deaths through grant funding. They received a US$147,038 Childhood Cancer Grant from Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) to construct a caregiver facility with 22 en-suite rooms, ensuring a comfortable stay for the children and their families. PDG Ashibuogwu says, “My hope is that many children with cancer will survive due to consistent treatment, and their families will find renewed hope for the future.”

This building, constructed next to the newly built oncology chemotherapy building, has 22 rooms each with two beds, a bathroom and a kitchen area, providing a comfortable environment for patients and their families. It also has a playroom for children. This facility is the first of its kind in the area and will benefit the community by serving approximately 180 people per month, including patients, families, friends and educators.

“The establishment of the caregiver home at FMC has been highly praised, with many expressing their appreciation to LCIF for the enormous support and relief it will provide to families and children undergoing treatment,” says PDG Ashibuogwu.

These outcomes show just how much grant-funded service projects can change entire communities for the better. As Lions and Leos continue to act with compassion, LCIF will support their efforts through meaningful grant opportunities, expanding the number of beneficiaries Lions are able to serve worldwide.

Learn more about how LCIF is bringing hope to families fighting the battle of childhood cancer at lcif.org/childhoodcancer.