By Hilda Kai Larsey
Every October, the world is awash with pink ribbons, a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against breast cancer. However, beyond the pink campaigns, organizations work tirelessly throughout the year to educate, encourage early detection, and support survivors and their families. In Ghana, one organization that stand out is the Naomi Mikafui Breast Cancer Foundation, founded by Mr. Nuelz Ehum-Addo.
On October 1st, at Essence Clinic and Medical Laboratory, Mr. Ehum-Addo shared his journey, vision, and mission in keeping alive the legacy of his late wife, Naomi. His story is one of grief, resilience and a commitment to saving lives.
The Naomi Mikafui Breast Cancer Foundation was born out of a personal tragedy. Naomi, Mr. Ehum-Addo’s wife, passed away in May 2024 after battling triple-negative breast cancer. Before her demise, she had expressed her desire to join the fight against breast cancer by raising awareness, educating women, and supporting those going through the difficult journey of treatment.
“She always emphasized that if she got well, she would add her voice to the existing campaigns,” Mr. Ehum-Addo recalled. “Sadly, that dream was cut short. After her passing, my family encouraged me to establish the foundation in her honor. It has since become both a form of healing for me and a way to keep her dream alive.”
Vision and Mission
The Foundation envisions a Nation-Ghana where people can live free from the fear of breast cancer. With a mission centered on awareness creation, education, support services, and clinical screenings, the organization works not only with women but also engages men and young people, recognizing that cancer education must cut across all demographics.
Projects and Impact
In just a year, the Naomi Mikafui Foundation has already made remarkable strides. Its flagship program, the Mikafui Pink Conference (MiPiCon), was first held in October 2024 at the African University College of Communications. The conference featured panel discussions, awareness talks, screenings, as well as blood donations drive for the Ghana Police Hospital.
Beyond conferences, the foundation has taken breast cancer education into schools and markets, reaching basic schools in Accra and Oti Region, as well as engaging communities in Dambai, ferry passengers, and local traders.
Reflecting on the first MiPiCon, Mr. Ehum-Addo rated the impact a 7 out of 10, citing lower-than-expected attendance however applauding the engagement and feedback from students, many of whom described it as the first initiative of its kind on campus.
This year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month theme – “Every Story is Unique,” resonates deeply with Mr. Ehum-Addo. He recalls how his wife first noticed a lump but was reassured by health facilities that it was nothing serious. Months later, after marriage, the lump grew, leading to a biopsy that revealed advanced triple-negative breast cancer.
“It was devastating,” he said. “We were told too late. That’s why I always advise people: if you’re told it’s nothing, seek a second or third opinion. Early detection truly saves lives.”
The foundation has partnered with organizations such as the Breast Society of Ghana (BISOG), the Ghana Education Service, and the Local Breast Cancer Foundation, whose founder, Mr. Ehum-Addo affectionately refers to as “a mother in this work.” These partnerships have made screenings and referrals possible, while media houses and individuals have also lent their support.
Recognizing that the fight against cancer is not only medical but also emotional, the foundation provides psychosocial support. Through a network of survivors, caregivers, and palliative care nurses, patients are connected to people who understand their struggles. “When a survivor shares their journey, it carries more weight than just words,” Mr. Ehum-Addo explained.
The future is bright yet challenging. Financial support for patients remains a major gap, but the foundation hopes to grow into that space. For now, its focus is on scaling education and awareness programs. This October alone, the foundation has lined up five projects, including the second edition of MiPiCon in Zemu, Akatsi North District, where screenings, education, and donations will be made to a deprived community.
Other events include collaborations with BlueCrest University, All Nations University in Koforidua, and even international outreach in Benin and Nigeria, where women will be educated and screened.
As the interview came to a conclusion, Mr. Ehum-Addo emphasized that breast cancer awareness is not just a campaign but a lifeline. “Early detection saves lives. My wife’s story inspires me to keep pushing, so others don’t have to go through what we did.”
The Naomi Mikafui Breast Cancer Foundation continues to stand as proof that out of grief comes hope, and out of one woman’s story can emerge a movement that touches many lives.
This October and beyond, the call remains simple: Get informed. Get screened. Stand together in the fight against breast cancer.
