Breast Cancer Awareness and treament for teenage girls in Nigeria

In March 2024, my organization, Lush Foundation, hosted a hands-on training for 30 teenage girls, focused on fashion. But it wasn’t just about sewing or style — I wanted to use what I know best to help these girls build confidence, leadership, and the foundations of entrepreneurship.

What I didn’t expect was how this journey would take a completely different turn.

During the training, one of the girls quietly came to me, visibly in pain. She had been battling severe breast pain for a while but hadn’t spoken up. Her family couldn’t afford a hospital visit, and despite reaching out to friends and contacts, I couldn’t get her the medical help she urgently needed. I was heartbroken. I felt helpless. How many other girls were suffering in silence?

That encounter stayed with me.

So in August 2025, when I got the opportunity to partner with Gender Alive Foundation during their boot camp for teenagers, I knew what needed to be done. We had 80 teenagers in attendance, and this time, we included something life-changing — breast cancer awareness and basic health checks.

Out of 57 girls examined, 2 were found with breast lumps.

We didn’t stop there. We took full responsibility for their follow-up tests and medical appointments at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan. Early detection saved them from what could have become a far more serious situation.

This experience reminded me that health is not a luxury. It is a right.

What started as a fashion empowerment class turned into a mission of advocacy — not just for skills, but for life and wellness. Because we can't teach leadership without addressing the silent struggles that hold our girls back. And sometimes, the most powerful movements start with one girl’s voice, quietly asking for help.

Now, we want to do more. But we can't do it alone.

We’re calling on individuals, organizations, health professionals, and corporate bodies to partner with us. We need sponsors who believe in the potential of girls — not just to learn, but to lead healthy, empowered lives.

Our vision is to visit secondary schools across various states in Nigeria — testing, educating, and helping young girls get the treatment they need before it's too late.

Whether through funding, volunteering, medical support, or awareness campaigns, your partnership can help us reach more girls, offer vital health interventions, and expand our programs to rural and underserved communities.

Every girl deserves a chance — to thrive, to lead, and to live.