The Sage Foundation (http://APO.af/1NHGpu) has partnered with The Bricon Foundation (http://APO.af/2e6ri4), a Nigeria-based non-profit organisation that helps to raise awareness about cancer and assists cancer patients and their families, in the ‘Keeping Hope Alive Challenge’. The challenge aims to raise $10,000 (about N3.6 million) to support cancer patients who cannot afford medical treatment.

The Keeping Hope Alive $10k Challenge has three phases, the first of which was the ‘Walk the Talk (http://APO.af/PNjv1v)’ cancer walk in Lagos, on Friday, 27 October, to raise funds and create awareness about breast cancer. The Sage Foundation appealed to colleagues, business partners, customers and the wider community to support the cause by getting people to sponsor their walk, the proceeds of which will go towards the Keeping Hope Alive fundraising initiative.

Every year, more than 80,000 Nigerians lose their battle with cancer, and more than 100,000 new cases are recorded. For many of the two million Nigerians living with the disease, life-saving medical treatment is not an option, either because of the high cost or because there are not enough support centres equipped to handle the disease.

“The Keeping Hope Alive Challenge forms part of the Sage Foundation’s global $1 million challenge (http://APO.af/AEBdrF), which aims to raise about $1 million to support charities around the world,” says Magnus Nmonwu (http://APO.af/Ik3wAK), Regional Director for Sage in West Africa. “When detected early, cancer is treatable, and it’s not right that millions of people are affected because they cannot afford medical care. The Sage Foundation is committed to building opportunities in local communities and we believe that, together, we are stronger against cancer.”

“Nigeria has the worst cancer death rate in Africa, at a shocking 80%. The majority of deaths are due to late presentation and/or inaccessibility to medical care. At Bricon, we believe that, through awareness, early detection and providing appropriate and timely support to cancer patients and their families, we can bring that figure down and make a difference in millions of lives,” says Abigail Simon-Hart the co-founder of The Bricon Foundation.

The Bricon Foundation was established to provide practical support to cancer patients and their families. This includes funding for treatment, diagnostic tests and medication, subsidising or providing free mastectomy products, and providing training to local nurses and doctors supported by International partners.

The remaining two events in the “Keeping Hope Alive” Challenge include:

• The KHA button campaign that encourages people to wear a button during November to show their support for the cause.
• A fundraising Football match in the first quarter of 2018.

To support one or all three events, direct donations can be made to the Bricon Foundation:

• Account Name: The Bricon Foundation
• Bank: GTB Plc
• Account Number: 0223638186
• Reference code: SAGEF KHA