ATINÚKÉ

Tinu Lawal Sanusi, the founder of the Atinuke Cancer Foundation, is not just a survivor. Diagnosed with cancer in

2014, Tinu's life was thrown into turmoil at a time when Nigeria was grappling with the Ebola crisis. The dual fear of an

unknown disease and the inadequacies of the healthcare system were enough to push anyone to the brink of despair. It

was a time when most women who were diagnosed would quietly go abroad for treatment and, if lucky to come

back alive, would rather keep mute for fear of stigmatization. At the time, even Nigerian oncologists didn't really believe in the

chances of survival of a patient receiving treatment in Nigeria because of the inadequacies of the Nigerian healthcare system.

Yet, instead of succumbing to fear, Tinu chose to fight back. With her media background, she became a voice for those

silenced by stigma, ignorance, and a lack of support, igniting a movement to raise awareness and advocate for better cancer

care in Nigeria by letting everyone who cared to listen know that ''if she could survive cancer, anyone else could.''

This Autobiography captures Tinu's remarkable journey from a place of confusion and darkness to one of empowerment and

advocacy. It chronicles her struggles, triumphs, and the profound realizations that emerged along the way. More than

just a personal narrative, Tinu's story is a call to action for individuals and communities to unite against cancer, challenge

societal norms, and strive for a future where every person has access to the care and support they need.

Join Tinu as she recounts her experiences, her battles, and the birth of Atinuke Cancer Foundation. Reflecting on the

breakdown of the radiotherapy machine just a day after she completed her session in 2016, she says:

‘’I realized I had been spared for a reason. It became clear that I

had a purpose—to give back and use my voice and experience to

help others who were still caught in the waiting lines, both

literally and figuratively. I felt an undeniable responsibility to

share my cancer journey, to speak boldly about cancer, the

challenges within Nigeria's healthcare system, and the need for

government intervention. Not just as a survivor, but as a witness

to the broken system that so many still had to navigate, I felt it

was my duty to let people know that cancer was not a death

sentence. There could still be hope and healing, even when facing

overwhelming odds.

This calling ignited a fire within me to take action. I picked up my

iPad, started blogging on Blogger.com, and decided to go public

with my story. I wanted to raise awareness and advocate for

better cancer care in Nigeria. The divine favour I had received

throughout my journey wasn’t something I could keep to myself.

It was a story that needed to be told—to inspire others, to push

for change, and to bring hope to those who felt abandoned in

their battles.

In sharing my story, I aim to ensure that no one feels alone and

that everyone understand the power of faith, resilience, and

divine timing. Together, these could light a path through even the

darkest of times, showing that survival is possible, and advocacy

could spark a brighter future for all’’.

By her words, we are reminded that although the path may be fraught with challenges, it is also filled with the potentials for a

brighter tomorrow

Tinu Lawal, stands as a beacon of strength, resilience, faith and hope. She is a warrior who has turned her battle

against cancer into a powerful narrative of advocacy, awareness, and change. Her journey began with a life-altering

diagnosis that struck during a tumultuous time in her country—amidst the Ebola outbreak. Faced with fear,

uncertainty, and the harsh realities of a healthcare system in need of reform, Tinu made a choice: to reclaim her life and, in

doing so, become a voice for countless others fighting similar battles.