MIIF wins with CH Group and Impact clinic on Breast Cancer Survivor’s Story

The Minerals Income Investment Fund, CH Group and Impact Clinic concluded activities for the Breast Cancer Month of October by hosting a live event dubbed “A Breast Cancer’s Survivor’s Story’ at the Cantonments City enclave in Accra.  The event featured Ama Serwaa, a breast cancer survivor who battled the disease fifteen years ago. She has become one of the foremost advocates for the “early detection saves lives” mantra.

“I remember going to the hospital for a routine check. I did not know anything about breast cancer. I had not been feeling well for some time. My doctor asked me to do a mammogram test. She told me that I had breast cancer. I had no idea what it was. My brother wept inconsolably because he thought I was going to die.”

This was around 2006. Ama Serwaa went under treatment for a few years. With her two grown daughters present at the survivor’s story, Ama Serwaa told the audience that “ looking back, it was the early detection that saved me.”

And she had other nuggets for the audience which comprised mainly of MIIF, CH Group, Dimension Data, Life Forms Capital and Social Ghana.

“The men here,” She said, “please don’t leave your wives to battle breast cancer alone. Some men will hurriedly look for other women to substitute their partners. Kindly help your partners to beat this disease. It’s your duty and we appreciate it when you do,” Ama Serwaa said.

One of the reasons for holding the Breast Cancer Survivor’s Story was to help deconstruct the disease and the fears that surround it. Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund applauded Ama Serwaa for her bravery and the good work of de-mystifying breast cancer.

“We have heard today that breast cancer is not a death knell. Through the story of Ama Serwaa, we know that you can beat the disease. Early detection is key. The organization I lead (MIIF) is all about making a better life for Ghanaians through investing to secure our collective future. Supporting our people to understand and relate to these stories embolden us to be even more empathetic. We are happy to keep this event on our calendar every year. It is absolutely important to keep demystifying the disease.

The Breast Cancer Survivor’s Story event was observed in three parts.  A free breast screening for both men and women, a free eye testing by Dashen Opticians and the live discussion. Featuring the survivor.  Dr. Francisca Acheampong who anchored the discussion and also conducted the screening was particularly happy with attendance and the impact.

We had about hundred men and women turning up for the screening and the eye tests. As it is with these programs, the multiplier effect is always what you look for. How many people will go out of here educated with the facts and can act as mini ambassadors for the message. The impact is huge and we had many men participating as well. This has been awesome,” Dr. Acheampong said.

The Breast Cancer Survivor’s story climaxed activities of October for MIIF which included wearing a broach each working day to remind each other of the importance of breast cancer and its education.
For a pictorial of the Breast Cancer Survivor Story kindly click here.