Concerned residents of Bonny Island in Rivers State have launched an appeal for urgent financial assistance to save the life of Gift Chibunna, who is currently battling stage four breast cancer.
A volunteer group led by community member Rebecca Jonathan-Hart has begun a street-to-street awareness and fundraising campaign to raise approximately ₦20 million needed for surgery and other critical medical procedures.
Speaking during one of the fundraising drives, Jonathan-Hart explained that doctors warned that the cancer, which initially affected one breast, is now spreading, making urgent intervention necessary.
She called on government authorities, traditional leaders, philanthropists, and well-meaning Nigerians to support the patient’s treatment.
“We are appealing to everyone, including leaders and kind-hearted individuals, to help save her life.
The situation is critical, and she urgently needs medical attention,” she said.
Chibunna’s son, God-is-Able Chibunna, also appealed for assistance, revealing that the family has battled the illness for over five years but has repeatedly struggled to fund sustained treatment.
According to him, his mother has undergone several surgeries in the past, but the cancer returned and worsened due to financial constraints that interrupted treatment.
“This breast cancer challenge has lasted over five years. She has undergone surgeries before, but the illness returned, and now doctors say urgent surgery is needed again,” he said.
He further explained that his mother had earlier been referred to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), where she underwent chemotherapy and medical tests, but treatment was halted when the family could no longer afford the costs.
“We have tried everything possible to raise money, but it has been difficult. That is why we are now appealing publicly for help,” he added.
Donations to support Chibunna’s treatment can be made to:
Account Name: Ifeoma Gift Chibunna
Bank: Zenith Bank
Account Number: 2179283501
Residents say the fundraising effort aims not only to save her life but also to raise awareness about breast cancer and encourage early treatment and community support for patients facing similar struggles.