The International Association of Lions Club District 404B2 visited the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Ebutte Metta, Lagos State, last Thursday. The Ikeja Unique Club brought gifts for kids with pediatric cancer.
During the ceremony, Dr. Saheed Ogume, the Deputy Medical Director of FMC, gave a speech on childhood cancer. He explained that childhood cancers are a type of cancer that harm children. Any portion of the body may be impacted by any of the many varieties.
Leukemia is one of the most prevalent cancers in children.
“Genetic mutations that result in uncontrolled cell growth, germline variations, ionizing radiation, and certain infections like EBV or malaria are thought to be the causes of childhood cancers.”
He went on to discuss prevention, saying that maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes eating a balanced diet will help prevent childhood malignancies. Breastfeeding strengthens the child’s immune system and lowers the mother’s risk of developing breast cancer.
Childhood cancer can also be prevented by living in safe environments, which includes avoiding or restricting the use of phones around children. Other preventative measures include avoiding living near masts, industrial areas, and gas stations.
Regarding kid cancer, Lion Stephen Onojomete, President of the Ikeja Unique Club, stated: “February is kid Cancer Awareness Month; the World Health Organization has designated February 15 as this date.
Childhood cancer is a serious illness that can strike children.
Thus, in light of the current economic hardships, the Ikeja Unique Lions Club members made the decision to take advantage of this chance to show some of these kids some love and kindness in order to brighten their days and make their parents smile. The club donated items like baby pampers, toiletries, and bed linens to help these kids. I think the hospital will benefit much from these donations.
Leo Kehinde Abimboye, president of the Ikeja Unique Leos Club, addressed the need for more public awareness of childhood cancer, saying that children are not only susceptible to the disease but also young people and the elderly.Since I can only picture the suffering kids endure due to this condition, raising awareness would enable most parents to treat their children promptly before it gets out of control as soon as the symptoms appear. Serving the community and attempting to improve things for everyone we come into contact with is a component of what we do.
Speaking as the event’s chair, Lion Matthew Obasohan explained why FMC was selected to receive the gifts, saying that it is one of the top medical facilities in Lagos State for treating illnesses. Many children are affected by childhood cancer, even though some people are unaware of this.
He also discussed the necessity of raising awareness of this illness. The Ikeja Unique Club would like to raise public awareness of this ailment because children who suffer from it require care and attention. The problem is that, in my opinion, this illness is preventable and curable if it is identified early on.
I’m using this chance to ask everyone to please get in touch with these kids and their parents, especially NGOs and private citizens who have the means to do so. The government has a lot on their plate, therefore we shouldn’t rely on them for everything.
“I would like to re echo our Medical Director’s recognition of the on-going partnership with Lions Club and say it is a partnership that we take very seriously and this underscores the medical director’s personal presence at the presentation of the gift items to the hospital,” the Deputy Medical Director said in closing, thanking the Lion and Leo’s Club for their support.
The donation will significantly help us in our mission to offer our patients and clients top-notch care. For this contribution as well as the previous ones from the Lions club, the hospital will always be thankful. I’m grateful.