Relief as ASA Women USA Pays 4 Million Naira Medical Bills for Cancer Survivors

The Anambra State Association of Women USA Inc. and the ASA Women USA Cancer Coalition in Nigeria have paid treatment bills totaling four million naira for four cancer survivors from three communities in the state.

Cheque boards of one million naira each were presented to the beneficiaries, while the actual payments will be made directly to the hospitals where they are receiving treatment.

The beneficiaries are Mary Nwosa from Umuoji in Idemili North Local Government Area, Tochukwu Chukwuka from Utuh, Nnewi South LGA, and Ukamaka Okoli and Chigozie Nwankwo, both from Ufuma in Orumba North LGA.

At the presentation, witnessed by the Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Mr. Chris Molokwu, the founder of ASA Women USA, Dr. Uche Umeh, recalled that this gesture is part of her organization’s humanitarian intervention aimed at ensuring the well-being of fellow citizens, especially women.

Dr. Umeh was represented by the South-East Coordinator, Mrs. Ebele Obiakonze.

“This year, we are reaching out to four of our sisters affected by cancer. In the past, we have conducted medical missions covering many communities in Anambra State.

“This gesture aligns with our vision to see everyone, especially women, healthy and able to achieve their potential.

“Many women who benefited from our previous medical missions were treated in various hospitals in Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi.

“We have followed up on the patients, and some of them are doing well fully recovered and healthy now.

“We discovered a woman named Ijeoma with a tumor causing abdominal swelling. We took care of her, and she is okay now. We are happy that ABS has always been an incredible partner.”

The Media Coordinator of ASA Women Anambra State, Ify Unachukwu, described the medical intervention as an annual ritual aimed at alleviating the suffering of women.

“We do this every year. Today marks another round of this intervention, and these four persons are beneficiaries of the gesture.

“ASA Women aims to establish a cancer treatment center in Amichi. One day, we will have a functional cancer treatment center that will help control and manage the disease.

“This year, we have adopted beneficiaries from three communities. Our strategy is not just to give them money.

“To ensure transparency and accountability, the actual funds will be paid directly to the hospitals where the beneficiaries are receiving treatment.

“This is to make sure the money is utilized specifically for their medical needs. We are partnering with COOU Teaching Hospital Amaku Awka and other hospitals where they are receiving treatment.”she stated.

The Health Insurance Coordinator, Ngozi Agaejelu, and another member of the organization, Mrs. Patricia Icheke, recalled that in 2023, the organization enrolled 50 persons into the state government’s health insurance program.

“That was one of ASA Women’s key interventions to help women cope with the traumatic experience of having cancer.

“Some of the beneficiaries of that intervention were men. This was done to give them access to free treatment and medication whenever needed.”she added.

In a remark, the Managing Director of ABS, Mr. Christopher Molokwu, said, “Life without giving is not worth living. Living is giving, and giving is living.

“What ASA Women have come together to do is something quite remarkable—not just giving, but giving for the right reasons.

“Trying to help their fellow women is highly commendable. When you give to someone who cannot give back, you are giving a lot.”

Mr. Molokwu promised sustained partnership with the organization to continue the good work. “As we continue to stand as partners with ASA Women, we pray this won’t be the last.”

The beneficiaries—Mary Nwosa, Tochukwu Chukwuka, Ukamaka Okoli, and Chigozie Nwankwo—expressed gratitude for the gesture, which they said will greatly impact their health.

Mary Nwosa said, “I am so glad that God has remembered me through ASA USA. I pray that God will continue to bless them.”

Tochukwu Chukwuka, who had benefited from ASA USA eight years ago, responded, “This is the second time I am coming their way. I appreciate their relentless efforts.”