“I am a father, a teacher, a preacher and a colon cancer survivor.” This is how Abdul Aziz Suleiman opened his testimony to stakeholders during the commemoration of World Cancer Day.
Suleiman was diagnoses with colon cancer six years ago but did not go into details of his ailment. He concentrated on passing a message of hope to all cancer patients.
“Cancer is becoming a big issue in the country but there is no need to worry because standing in front of you is a cancer survivor. I am still living and will continue living until the Almighty says it is my time to depart the world.” He said.
Suleiman said that most people ailing from cancer do not get the help they deserve because they choose to remain indoors.
“How can you be helped if you do not speak to the world and ask those with a willing heart to help you?” He asked.
Suleiman said that having cancer is not a death sentence but people should see it as a second chance given by God and one should not hold anything against the Almighty.
“Since diagnosis, it is now six years but no one can stand and point a finger at me and say I have cancer. It does not show on the face.” He added.
He said that whatever goes on in your lives, there is a reason, and we have to accept it for our life to go on.
“Cancer is living within us and it is high time we started living with it in order for us to defeat it. If we hide from it, we are the ones to suffer. This means we need to come out and speak about it and find a solution.” He said.
Suleiman called on anyone who has similar ailment to join a society they formed to mentor one another.
The society called Stoma World Kenya brings together ostomates, their families, colon cancer survivors, health care professionals and individuals who have felt the touch of colon cancer.
The group meets regularly once a month and has been involved in various activities including provision of free stoma bags, colon cancer education, media interviews and hospital visits.
The group currently has over 60 members most of whom are and have had colon cancer hence used the stoma bags that make most people shy of the ailment.
“Our aim is to promote good quality of life and care among our members so that they don’t feel inferior due to their condition.” Suleiman said.
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