Support Kosi's fight against breast cancer

“I’m dropping this here, in the universe, as not just me, but you & I have the power to change lives!”

Blessing Nkechi Ugboaja (Kosi) is an amazing mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and colleague. But, at age 39, her world collapsed on a sunny day in August 2022 when she got a positive breast cancer diagnosis. Kosi is among the spate of many Nigerians who are now developing breast cancer in their 30s.

Compared to older women, a breast cancer diagnosis in young women has more lasting implications. This is because the disease tends to be diagnosed late, often more aggressive, with reduced survival rates and increased recurrence. Additional issues these young survivors face include, but are not limited to, early menopause, reduced productivity at work, and fertility issues.

Earlier this year, she was diagnosed with thyrotoxicosis, which necessitated two surgeries that drained all of her savings. Her official cancer diagnosis is hormone receptor invasive ductal carcinoma; this means that her cancer is receptive to hormones, which is great news actually. However, she has to do a lot of tests to check for mutations in her genes (BRCA testing) and a PET scan to look for the potential spread of breast cancer.

Before her diagnosis, Kosi worked as a medical laboratory scientist, diagnosing the very kind of cancer she’s now been diagnosed with. There’s also a high chance she has to undergo a double mastectomy (removal of both breasts). Because of this, a plan has been set in motion for her treatment. This will consist of pretests to determine the stage and the extent of spread, surgery, chemotherapy (which is to be determined by further testing) and/or radiation.

Kosi will obviously be off her job for some time due to immunosuppression from the chemotherapy. Along with the emotional stress of being diagnosed with cancer, Kosi and her family also face a significant financial burden with her being out of work.

Kosi is a fighter and optimistic she will win this battle against cancer. Though her doctors are optimistic, she’s been advised that the journey to recovery will be a protracted one. We are confident she will get to that finish line and be cancer free, but she and her family need all the prayers and support they can get. Therefore, please consider alleviating some of the financial stress this young family faces during this very challenging time. With the many uncertainties that come with cancer outcomes, having to not worry about finances would be a huge blessing for them.

Please also remember to keep Kosi, her two young daughters, her husband, and her medical team in your prayers and the quietest part of your heart. Thank you in advance for all the support!

Signed,

Mo! Sibyl, Founder, The More Sibyl Podcast

Oluranti Famooto, Representative of Kosi’s family