Maria David
FOR Ndayelekwa Kayofa, the word “cancer” is not just a diagnosis; it’s a profound journey of strength, hope, and unwavering determination.
Her battle against breast cancer, which began with a diagnosis last October, serves as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of early detection and immediate treatment for every Namibian.
Kayofa’s fight commenced in December last year when she began receiving treatment for breast cancer.
Through what must have been an arduous period, her resolve remained unbroken, fuelled by a deeply personal commitment to life itself.
“I want to live,” she asserts, her words echoing the sentiments of countless individuals facing similar challenges. “I have a family, children, and dreams to accomplish,” she said.
She made these remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Namibian Oncology Centre and Medical Imaging in Ongwediva on Tuesday.
According to Kayofa, this building will house more than medical equipment. It will shelter families during their most vulnerable moments.
She added that it will be a place where the word “cancer” does not mean the end of the story, but the beginning of a fight that we can win together, where beauty can rise from ashes.
“To the families who will one day walk through these doors: you will not walk alone. You will be supported by skilled professionals who care, by a community that stands with you, and by the knowledge that world-class care is now close to home. And remember, we are more than conquerors in whatever challenges we face through Christ,” she added.
Further, Kayofa said that everything is possible when they dream big and work together.
Hence, she said that healthcare, education, and opportunity don’t have to be concentrated in capital cities. They can flourish wherever there are people committed to making a difference.
Meanwhile, Stephanie Quarmby, Financial Director of the Namibian Oncology Centre, indicated that behind every statistic lies a human story. Behind the six hundred kilometres their northern patients currently travel for treatment in Windhoek lies separation from family and financial strain during their most vulnerable moments.
“Behind every delayed diagnosis lies a life that could have been saved with earlier intervention. Today, we begin to rewrite those stories,” she said.
She stressed that the ground they stand on represents more than a construction site. It represents restored dignity for over eight hundred and fifty thousand people across the Oshana, Omusati, Ohangwena, and Oshikoto regions.
