Love Life; Hate Cancer: An Ode to Nneka Rita Ozor

The past few months, weeks and days have been draining as I watch my baby cousin nearing the end of her cancer journey and even though we have been advised to release her in our spirit so she can go earn her angel wings – I was not ready to release her yet. It might sound selfish on our part hearing her in constant pain every second due to this dreadful disease but I preferred her physically here than gone. I have battled this in my conscience time and time again and in the last few days, have been talking to myself on the right decision – not for me but rather for her.

Well, sad to say that on Saturday, the 11th of March , my beloved baby cousin: Nneka Rita Ozor finally gained her Angels Wings. Even though she has now been set free, the pain my whole family are feeling right now is unexplainable. 

Everyone of us know someone – either a loved one or another experience cancer. In the past few years, I have known so many people passed onto glory from this dreadful disease and only last Tuesday laid to rest another friend of mine who was only 37 years. You see this cancer is no respecter of age or race and words cannot explain how I much I detest it.

Cancer is a broad term for a class of diseases characterised by abnormal cells that grow and invade healthy cells in the body.  Some cancers may eventually spread into other tissues. I have seen and known some loved ones have one of the worst cases of cancer – ‘breast cancer’ which starts in the cells of the breast as a group of cancer cells that can then invade surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body.

One survivor is a dear sista-friend by the name of Chika Akwiwu otherwise known as The African Barbie is a passionate advocate is on a mission to educate us women on how to detect breast cancer very early and ensure that we get treatment and follow the course of a good and healthy lifestyle.

As a result of her new sense of purpose, she founded a non-profit organization BHAF (Breast Health Angels Foundation, Inc.).  BHAF has Advocacy deeply embedded in its core because the Advocacy of her OBGYN, a two time breast cancer survivor, Dr. Jacqueline Walters saved her life and now she can save others. BHAF is unique because it combines her experience as a Breast Cancer Survivor with her training as a healthcare provider to Educate, Empower and Engage women worldwide. She is a strong advocate for Early Detection because it can make the difference between life and death. BHAF’s mission is to Empower, Encourage, Educate and Engage women to Embrace their breast health and overall well-being through Early Detection and Support Services. Last October, Chika organised the very first annual 5k Advocacy Walk held in various cities worldwide like London, England; Port-Harcourt & Abuja in Nigeria; Atlanta, LA, Houston, and other states in the US amongst other countries and it was a great and successful movement which helped raise awareness amongst our various communities… I am a proud supporter of BHAF Inc. and foundation member of the London Branch so look out for more information on the 2017 Advocacy Walk Awareness.

Now back to you Nneka, we (your family) have been in total grief and completely distraught all weekend ever since we got that news and still cannot get it out of our heada that you are really now gone but we are rest assured as we know that you fought this with all the strength that you had and want you know how proud we were of you as we always said when we spoke. You helped me become a more resilient person cause times I called to cheer you up – you took over to cheer and encourage me. I love you so much and am glad that you are on this journey of peace. Sleep well beautiful and we love you always ❤️❤️❤️

A special and big shout-out to my beloved cousins who were also Nneka’s backbone through this trying period – Dr Udoka Anyaehie and Mrs. Obioma Nwosu. Also to her amazing carer – Ms Chinenye Anagonye and her sister Chisom, plus the wonderful Taxi Driver who chauffeured them back and forth to all the hospital appointments.  The memory of Nneka forever be in our hearts ❤️

—————————————————————————

A Poem to You Nneka Rita Ozor titled: I’m Free (Author Unknown)

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God has laid you see. I took His hand when I heard him call. I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day. To laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way. I found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss. Oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savored much. Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief. Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and peace to thee. God wanted me now; He set me free.

—————————————————————————

To find more information on cancer, please visit Cancer Research  (link on text).

Do like, comment and follow my BLOG for upcoming posts.

Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady © – Follow my blog with Bloglovin

The Renaissance Lady

As a Mompreneur & Lifestyle Blogger, I am constantly on the goal of being ready for the NEW re-birthing and renewing of Oneself as I believe we all have a purpose to fulfil on this earth and part of my mission is for us all to live a Purpose-Driven Life.

Find me on: Web | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook