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Elizabeth Ugwoma Awo-Ejeh: To the Heroes Behind the Scenes

Elizabeth Ugwoma Awo-Ejeh/X

Dec 17, 2024, 23:14

Elizabeth Ugwoma Awo-Ejeh: To the Heroes Behind the Scenes

Elizabeth Ugwoma Awo-Ejeh, Advocate for Early Detection and Women’s Empowerment, posted on LinkedIn:

“To the Heroes Behind the Scenes

I always tell people how grateful I am to have such a supportive family who stood by me through it all.

My husband is my hero. Going through breast cancer changed my life forever, and I will never forget the day the doctor broke the news. That day was like a bad dream. After telling me how advanced the cancer was, the doctor made it worse by scolding me, asking how a young woman like me could overlook a lump and let it get to that stage.

My heart sank. I thought, ‘This is it. I’m going to die.’ All I wanted in that moment was to go home, hold my family, and spend whatever time I had left with them.

When my husband Michael Ejeh called to ask about the results, I couldn’t hide it. I told him, ‘The worst has happened.’ I expected him to panic, but instead, he calmly said, ‘You will survive this. Don’t let it shake you. We will fight this battle together, and with God on our side, we will win.’

Those words were everything. He stood by me every single step of the way.

I remember how, as a lawyer, he would drop me off at the hospital for treatment before heading to his court cases. From court back to the hospital—it felt like our whole year was spent there. But with him by my side, the fear and anxiety began to fade. Seeing his sacrifices, the love from my family, and the prayers of everyone around me gave me the strength to fight. I realized I wanted to live….not just for myself, but for the people who loved me so fiercely.

The role of caregivers in the cancer journey cannot be overstated. They are the ones behind the scenes, doing everything to make sure we stand again. They wipe our tears, calm our fears, and give so much of themselves to help us heal. This is to appreciate every caregiver—spouses, family, friends, and healthcare workers, who support us in this fight. I see you, and I thank you.

You are the real heroes. To anyone going through cancer: Don’t give up. God can be trusted, and with love and support, you can get through this. No one should have to go through this journey alone.”