13/03/2026
CANCER SURVIVOR CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY WITH DONATION TO PATIENTS AT JUTH.
Written by Mary Idoga, edited by Bridget Omini
Photographed by Edward Joel
A cancer survivor and pharmacist, Naanpoe Bukar, has celebrated her birthday and ten years of surviving cancer by giving back to patients at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), where she once received treatment.
Bukar marked the special day on March 12, 2026, by visiting the hospital to support patients currently undergoing treatment. She explained that instead of organizing a birthday celebration with drinks and entertainment, she decided to return to the hospital to identify with patients facing similar health challenges and to show them love and encouragement.
According to her, coming back to JUTH was deeply emotional because it was the same hospital where she battled cancer and received treatment exactly ten years ago. She noted that her experience as a patient gave her a clear understanding of the physical, emotional, and financial challenges many patients go through during treatment.
Speaking during the visit, Bukar said the donations were aimed at helping to cushion the burden of treatment for patients. She encouraged those receiving care not to lose hope, assuring them that survival and recovery are possible.
Bukar runs a charitable initiative known as the Caring Hands, Healing Lives Foundation, through which the outreach was organized.
The foundation made donations to patients in the Children’s Surgical Wards 15 and 16, as well as the Female Ward 17 of the hospital.
She was accompanied during the visit by Mrs. Nancy Yakubu Sanda, wife of the former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly alongside Mrs. Dewan and other members of the foundation.
Patients and hospital staff expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as a thoughtful act that brought hope and encouragement to many people currently receiving treatment.
Bukar emphasized that her visit was not only about the donations but also about sharing her story to inspire others battling cancer to remain strong and hopeful in their journey toward healing.