The William and Helen Heritage Foundation donates N1.5m to aid cancer patients’ treatment

By Victor Okoye The William and Helen Heritage Foundation (WHHF) on Tuesday donated N1.5 million to aid the treatment of cancer patients in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the donation, which was part of activities to mark the fourth memorial anniversary of the late Rev. Helen Titilayo Okoye, was made at the National Hospital, Abuja. The patients were presented with a cheque of N 300,000 each to assist them in the treatment of various cancer-related diseases. Mrs Okoye who was the wife of Rev. William Okoye, the General Overseer of All Christians Fellowship Mission and former Aso Rock Chaplain, passed away on May 2, 2019 at the National Hospital, Abuja at age 63. Until her death, she was the founder and coordinator of the Fellowship of Pastors’ Wives and Women in Ministry based in Abuja. She was also the National Director of Worship, and the National President of the Women Fellowship, All Christians Fellowship Mission and a well sort after speaker in Christian women programmes nationwide. A prayer warrior of note, she ran a 24 hour prayer chain network for individuals, families, the church and the nation. Mr Titus Omolewa, the Vice Chairman of William and Helen Heritage Foundation, told NAN that the donations this year were made specifically to the treatment of cancer patients. He noted that the late Okoye who died of cancer was a generous giver who had a large heart for people. “Today we are here as a foundation to give back to the people who actually inspired the creation of the WHH foundation. “In 2019, our mother in the Lord Rev (Mrs) Okoye passed on to glory as a result of a cancer-related ailment. “Afterwards, a foundation was made in her honour to ensure that even though she passed on from a cancer disease, we can also help people because we know the legacy she left behind. “So, we want to make sure that the legacy that she left behind continues. So that is one of the reasons why the foundation was created,” he said. He explained the WHHF board of trustees decided that this year the foundation concentrates its attention on the indigent cancer patients. He said the foundation decided to give out money grants to about five patients who were currently suffering from cancer-related ailments. He noted that cancer treatment was very expensive, adding that there was usually not much of aid for such patients in the country. “The WHHF therefore found it necessary this year to look into a few people because we couldn’t handle everybody as it is a very massive project. “So, we singled out five cancer patients that we are assisting. We have taken care of three today at the National Hospital, alongside two other patients who are unavoidably absent here today. “We have discussed with the management of the hospital and they graciously allowed us to handle three patients this year who are currently receiving treatment at the hospital. “We have been able to give the three patients a token and we hope that this token can be used as part of their treatment. “We are aware that these treatments ranging from chemotherapy to radiotherapy and various types of tests that are usually done are very expensive. “However, we believe that this token will go a long way to help them,” he said. Pst. Emmanuel Okoye, the first son of the deceased and a board member of the WHHF, said he was elated by the gesture, adding that it was a way of preserving the good name and legacy of his late mother. “I feel happy that we are doing this in honour of our mum to remember her name and what she lived for. “So, I am elated and we have prayed along with the patients trusting God to perfect their healing,” he said. Dr. Patrick Ida, an Assistant Director of Radiotherapy at the National Hospital Abuja, said the kind gesture by the foundation had registered something eternal in the hearts of the patients. “What the WHHF has done today (Tuesday) can never be forgotten by these patients. “This is indeed one of the best ways we can preach the gospel through our actions and kind deeds as Christians,” he said. Mrs. Theresa Peter, one the beneficiaries of the grant, expressed gratitude to God, the foundation as well as the doctor who recommended her for the grant. “Honestly I am so happy and I want to appreciate the foundation as well as the doctor that recommended me for this grant. “I also appreciate God for what he has done for me and making me to be a partaker of this programme. “Words fail me to express my feelings. I don’t know that God loves me like this. I honestly did not expect this at all,” she said. Another beneficiary, Mrs. Martina Lukas, said she was overwhelmed with joy, adding that she had nothing much to say but to simply thank the WHHF as well as Dr. Ida for recommending her to the foundation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)