Dr. (Mrs.) Nneka Nwobbi is a Christian, a wife, and a mother of two. She founded the Children Living with Cancer Foundation (CLWCF) to provide essential support for children battling cancer. Her journey began in 2002 and took formal shape in 2003 when the foundation was officially registered. She embarked on this mission after witnessing firsthand the critical gaps in healthcare that left children and their families struggling with inadequate resources, emotional support, and medical care.
Her motivation to act intensified after encountering a family whose child had been diagnosed with cancer. The parents had no idea that children could develop cancer and assumed that treatment would be a one-time process. When they learned that cancer treatment requires long-term care, they felt overwhelmed. Their lack of awareness stemmed from limited access to medical information, a heartbreaking reality that highlighted the urgent need for advocacy and education. This experience fueled her commitment to raising awareness and supporting families facing similar challenges.
The journey has been filled with obstacles. Losing children to cancer sometimes made her question whether she had the strength to continue. However, the inspiring stories of survivors and the love shared within the foundation renewed her resolve. Each victory reminded her that she was not alone in this fight. A caring community stood behind her, providing the support needed to keep going.
One of the most memorable moments in her journey involved Oluchi, a child who had been battling cancer for fifteen years. A benefactor stepped in and covered all of Oluchi’s medical expenses, relieving an enormous financial burden and restoring hope. Beyond medical care, CLWCF also brings joy to these children by celebrating their birthdays. For many of them, these celebrations serve as powerful reminders that they are loved and valued.
their pain, children participate in painting sessions, expressing themselves in creative ways. Watching them create art, even while fighting serious illness, has been a powerful testament to their resilience and strength. These moments have deepened the foundation’s commitment to ensuring that every child battling cancer feels seen, supported, and cherished.
CLWCF’s impact extends beyond the children to their parents. Many families face severe financial hardship when a parent must leave work to care for a sick child. To address this, the foundation provides vocational training, empowering parents with new skills that allow them to earn a stable income while supporting their children’s treatment and recovery.
Joining the Shecluded community and attending the 2025 Vision Board event infused new energy into Dr. Nwobbi’s mission. The event presented valuable networking opportunities and introduced her to like-minded individuals passionate about community development. She gained insights into setting clear, actionable goals for CLWCF’s future. This experience strengthened her vision and opened doors to new partnerships and resources that will help the foundation expand its reach and provide even greater support to children and families in need.
Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Nwobbi acknowledges the progress made while recognizing that much work remains. Through CLWCF, she continues to advocate for children with cancer and their families, driven by the strength and resilience she witnesses daily. With the unwavering support of the community, she remains committed to making a lasting difference—one child, one family, and one success story at a time.
