Sometimes, service is more than what we give. It is the hope we leave behind. For a child battling cancer, every treatment comes with a cost far beyond the financial. There are hospital visits, difficult procedures, anxious parents, uncertainty and sometimes the overwhelming question of what tomorrow may bring.
It was against this backdrop that the Lagos Passionate Lions Club visited the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos State, extending financial assistance towards the chemotherapy treatment of a young pediatric cancer patient.
The intervention formed part of the Club’s September activities dedicated to supporting children affected by cancer, in line with one of the key areas of service of Lions Clubs International.
Members of the Club visited the oncology ward, where they interacted with children undergoing treatment and their families. Beyond the financial support, the visit provided an opportunity for the Lions to offer something equally important such as encouragement, compassion and the reassurance that they were not alone in their journey.
SERVICE THAT RESPONDS TO REAL NEEDS
Speaking during the visit, President of Lagos Passionate Lions Club, Lion Enwemasor Emeka, said the initiative reflects the Club’s belief that service should be intentional and responsive to the realities within the community.
He noted that while medical treatment remains essential, children living with cancer and their families also need emotional strength, encouragement, financial assistance and a supportive community around them.
“As Lions, we believe that service must respond to real needs in our communities. I am not saying that our contribution today will solve every challenge associated with childhood cancer, but I strongly believe it will provide meaningful assistance he reiterated.”
For Lion Enwemasor, the intervention was also an opportunity to draw attention to the broader challenge of childhood cancer and the responsibility of society to support affected families.
He encouraged individuals and organizations to become more intentional about supporting children battling cancer, stressing that compassion should not begin only when cancer comes knocking on one’s own doorstep.
The Club President expressed appreciation to the healthcare professionals, volunteers and families who continue to stand beside children throughout their treatment journey. He also acknowledged the Dorcas Cancer Foundation, a longstanding partner of the Club whose connection with the children helped make the intervention possible.
Through the partnership, the Lions identified an emergency case involving a pediatric cancer patient requiring chemotherapy and responded with financial assistance towards her treatment.
“Our hope is that this support will help keep the dreams, aspirations and hopes of this child and her family alive,” Lion Enwemasor said.
WHEN LIONS COME TOGETHER, LIVES ARE TOUCHED
Chairperson of the activity, Lion Esther Onoriode Ijomoni, emphasized that sustained awareness and support are critical in the fight against childhood cancer.
She commended members of the Club for their generosity and commitment, noting that the intervention was made possible through the collective efforts of Lions who chose to give their resources towards a worthy cause.
“To my great Lions, thank you for your generous contributions, support and commitment towards guaranteeing the success of today’s activity. It was truly a collective effort, and I am deeply grateful to each and every one of you.”
Her words captured the spirit of Lions service: when individuals come together with a common purpose, their collective effort can become a lifeline for someone in need.
PARTNERSHIP THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
The Dorcas Cancer Foundation, which partnered with Lagos Passionate Lions Club on the initiative, also commended the Club for its support.
Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, Programme Officer Sikemi Oluleye shared insights into the organization’s work in supporting children living with cancer.
According to Oluleye, the Dorcas Cancer Foundation has been providing support to children with cancer since 2015 and has assisted more than 200 children with treatment-related needs.
He also highlighted the importance of early detection, noting that some children are diagnosed only after the disease has progressed considerably, making treatment more challenging.
“Awareness is crucial, and we are grateful to the Lions Club for their partnership in this cause.”
The partnership between the Lagos Passionate Lions Club and the Dorcas Cancer Foundation demonstrates the power of collaboration in service. While one organization may not be able to meet every need, partnerships can bring together resources, expertise and compassion to create meaningful interventions.
MORE THAN A VISIT
The visit to LUTH was ultimately more than a donation or a scheduled club activity.
It was a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a child with dreams, a family carrying hope and a community with the capacity to make a difference.
For the young patient who received support for her chemotherapy, the intervention may represent one less burden for her family to carry and one more reason to keep believing in tomorrow.
And for the Lions of Lagos Passionate Lions Club, it was another opportunity to demonstrate what service truly means, not simply giving, but seeing a need, responding with compassion and leaving a life touched by hope.
This is the spirit of Lions. This is the power of service.
