Fatimah, Nigeria

My Story of Fear, Strength, and Love

As a nurse, I have always been on the frontlines of caregiving, guiding patients and families through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. But nothing could prepare me for when cancer hit home—when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.

The journey began with fear. The fear of the unknown, of what was to come, and the overwhelming anxiety of how our lives would change. As the treatments began, my role shifted—not just as a daughter but as the bridge between my family and the healthcare system. I translated the complex medical jargon into something we could all understand and helped my family process the difficult decisions and the grueling treatments my mum had to endure.

As a nurse, I understood the science behind her care; as a daughter, I faced the helplessness of watching someone I love fight for her life. That balance—between knowledge and emotion—was one of the hardest battles I’ve faced. I was supposed to be the strong one, but inside, I was breaking.

When we eventually lost her, it felt like the ground beneath us had been pulled away. The grief was immense, but so was the love she left behind. Losing my mother to breast cancer was devastating, but it gave me a deeper sense of purpose. It reinforced why I do what I do every day as a nurse—to be a source of comfort and strength for families navigating this same path.

This World Cancer Day, I want to honor my mother’s memory and share a message of hope. Cancer changes lives, but it also reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit. To anyone walking this road—whether as a patient, caregiver, or loved one—you are not alone.

Let’s continue raising awareness, supporting one another, and striving for a world where no family has to endure this kind of loss.