We were thrilled to have the chance to chat with the Executive Director of the Oladele Foundation. It’s so important to discuss cancer care, especially if you’re self-employed or unemployed. Keep reading to find out how Mrs. Oladele is making a difference in the lives of Africans living with cancer.
Can you tell us about the founding story of Oladele Foundation/ACSG and what inspired you to start this non-profit organization?
The Oladele Foundation was born out of a personal journey and a deep need we saw in our community. The inspiration to start this organization came from our own lived experiences. When my husband was diagnosed with cancer, I quickly realized there was a significant gap in cancer resources and support tailored for African people.
I realized that self-employed people like myself cannot benefit from EI or any government resources. I asked around and I could not get answers, and the lack of necessary information made me suffer financially.
Navigating the healthcare system was challenging, and it became clear that many African families faced similar challenges. We lacked the right resources, support networks, and information specific to our cultural needs.
This gap made us create an organization dedicated to addressing these issues. Our mission is to provide the support, education, and advocacy needed to improve cancer care and awareness within the Black African community in Canada.
What is the primary mission of Oladele Foundation/ACSG, and how does it specifically focus on helping Black African people in the fight against cancer?
The primary mission of the Oladele Foundation/ African Cancer Support Group (ACSG) is to provide support and resources to people of African descent who are dealing with cancer. We focus on helping individuals and families navigate the challenges of cancer treatment while ensuring they receive the appropriate care.
We understand that fighting cancer is not just about medical treatment but also about having a support system that understands your unique needs. That is, why we offer culturally appropriate support services, connect families with mental health therapists who have passed through similar experiences, and ensure they have access to resources that make the journey a little easier.
In essence, we are here to make sure that no one in our community faces cancer alone and that they receive the care and support they deserve, rooted in the values and culture they hold in high esteem.
It is a support services designed by us and for us!
How has the vision and mission of Oladele Foundation/ACSG evolved since its inception?
When we first started the Oladele Foundation/African Cancer Support Group (ACSG), our main focus was on providing immediate support to families in our community who were struggling with cancer. We wanted to be there for them in practical ways—whether that meant offering a helping hand with everyday needs, connecting them with the right healthcare resources, or just being someone they could talk to.
As we grew, we realized that the need was much greater than we initially thought. It became pertinent to address bigger struggles and deal with bigger intricacies of cancer.
Over the years, our vision expanded to include not just support, but also education and awareness.
We began working on raising awareness about cancer prevention and early detection within the African and Black Canadian communities as we realised that late diagnosis is one of the main causes of growing mortality rates in our community.
Our mission also evolved to include a stronger focus on cultural sensitivity in healthcare. We understood that to make a real impact, we had to advocate for healthcare services that are tailored to our community’s unique needs.
So, while our core mission of supporting those affected by cancer remains the same, our vision has grown to encompass a broader effort to change how our community experiences healthcare, ensuring they receive culturally appropriate care and support that they deserve.
Could you describe some of the key programs and services that Oladele Foundation/ACSG offers to support cancer patients and their families?
We have developed a few key programs that have become lifelines for many families.
It all started with our support groups. We noticed that people needed a safe space to share their stories, so we created a platform where they could come together, talk about their experiences, and lean on each other for strength, hope and courage. These gatherings quickly became a cornerstone of what we do, providing much needed comfort and connection.
Then, we saw the struggles families faced in navigating the healthcare system, especially when cultural and language differences were in the way. That prompted the introduction of our cultural navigation services, helping families find healthcare providers who understand their background and can offer care that aligns with their beliefs and traditions.
To lighten the load during tough times, we also started delivering meals. We prepare dishes that are familiar and comforting, bringing a little bit of home to families dealing with cancer. It is a small gesture, but it makes a big difference.
We incorporated into our programs, workshops to educate our community about cancer prevention, early detection, self advocacy and life after cancer. These sessions are tailored specifically for the African and Black Canadian communities, making sure the information is relevant and accessible.
Finally, we knew that raising our voices was crucial, so we started advocating for better healthcare services. We have made it our mission to raise awareness about the unique challenges our community faces and to push for changes that will benefit everyone.
Each of these programs was born out of a need we saw in our community, and together, they form a network of support that helps families navigate the difficult journey of cancer.
How does Oladele Foundation/ACSG ensure that its services are culturally sensitive and tailored to the needs of the Black African community?
We make sure our services truly reflect the cultural needs of our community in several key ways. For example, our Meal Delivery Program is tailored to each member’s country of origin, providing familiar and comforting dishes that resonate with their cultural background.
We also have a Peer-to-Peer Support system, where we match members with others they can relate to, ensuring they feel understood and supported. This personal connection makes a big difference in their journey.
Our Mental Health Therapists are Africans and cancer survivors themselves. This means they not only understand the cultural nuances but also share similar life experiences, which helps build trust and offers more meaningful support.
These efforts ensure that our services are not just helpful, but also deeply connected to the cultural and personal needs of the African community.
What kind of partnerships or collaborations has Oladele Foundation/ACSG established to enhance its impact in the community?
We received training at the Canadian Cancer Society on how to start a peer-support group. We have partnered with Myeloma Canada to provide specialized resources and support for people of African descent battling myeloma.
We are also collaborating with some researchers at the University of Calgary, Princess Margaret, University of Alberta, and others on research projects. This partnership helps us contribute to significant cancer research and stay at the forefront of new treatments and discoveries.
Other community organizations that we are partnering with include Walnut Foundation in Toronto specializing in Prostate cancer support.
Looking ahead, we hope to partner with more healthcare providers and local hospitals to enhance medical support for our community. This is because there is no race-based data in Canada and it is hard to find cancer-related studies tailored towards Black Africans in Canada. We hope in the next few years, some of our articles will be approved and published.
We are also working on building relationships with local businesses and other organizations to broaden our outreach and create additional support networks. Currently, we are grateful to African Choice Market in Calgary for providing groceries to our members. Also, the UPS Store #45, for offering discounts on printing and shipping services. We still need more collaborations!
These collaborations are crucial in driving our mission forward and ensuring we provide the best possible support to those affected by cancer.
What are some of the biggest challenges Oladele Foundation/ACSG faces in its fight against cancer within the Black African community?
One of the biggest challenges we face is that many people in our community do not trust the healthcare system. This mistrust comes from past bad experiences where they felt their culture was not understood, hence, they often wait too long to seek help, which makes it harder to fight cancer as late diagnosis offers less beneficial prognosis.
Another challenge is that many people in our community do not know much about cancer, how to reduce their risk, detect symptoms when they present and follow up with it. There is also a stigma, or shame, that stops people from talking about cancer openly.
Finding healthcare professionals that understand and respect our culture can also pose some difficulties, as there is very minute representation of Black African oncologists or oncology-related professionals in the system.
Lastly but certainly not the least is getting enough resources and funding to keep up with the growing needs of our community. It is very tough raising funds through grants and donations only. When we started, we expended our resources for the first two years, we just wanted to help and support others.
We strive and work hard to make sure we can provide the help that is needed while we hope that our requests for grants, donations, and sponsorship will continue to garner necessary attention.
Can you share some success stories or impactful moments that highlight the difference Oladele Foundation/ACSG has made in the lives of individuals or families affected by cancer?
Let me tell you about some inspiring stories. A member was diagnosed and started writing her will, she was depressed and confused, this is because she had never seen anyone survive cancer. Then someone referred her to us. With the help of other members in the group, she went through her treatment with all the help and support, and now she is in remission. Despite all the challenges that come with such a diagnosis, she has found hope and strength through our organization, showing how vital our support can be.
Another member who faced a cancer diagnosis with deep anxiety and loss. Thanks to the encouragement and material support from our group, that member is now in remission and back at work, finding new hope and resilience.
Another member went through a grueling battle with breast cancer. From surgeries to chemotherapy, our support helped her navigate these tough times. Now, she. is looking at life with a renewed perspective. These stories reflect how The Oladele Foundation/African Cancer Support Group truly makes a difference, offering hope and support when it is needed most.
However, some of our members got their wings, we pray God grant them eternal rest – but we still continue to support their children.
How does Oladele Foundation/ACSG measure the effectiveness and impact of its programs?
We measure the effectiveness and impact of our programs by looking at how many people we support and the difference we make in their lives.
For example, we track how many Material supports including: meals we deliver to families, how many people benefit from our mental health support, and how often we visit patients at home. The
complementary therapy – massage, physio, acupuncture, etc. We also pay attention to how much our community learns about cancer through our awareness programs and how many people engage with us online through our social media efforts. By focusing on these areas, we can see the positive impact we are having and make sure our programs are truly helping those in need.
How does Oladele Foundation/ACSG work to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment within the Black African community?
We are actively working to raise awareness about cancer in several impactful ways. On social media, we use our platform to educate and advocate for regular check-ups, sharing vital information on cancer types, early detection, and treatment.
We also make it a priority to attend community events, where we engage directly with people, provide educational materials, and discuss the importance of early detection and treatment. These events and social media are an excellent opportunity for us to reach a wider audience and foster a more informed community.
Through these efforts, we aim to empower individuals with knowledge and encourage proactive health practices within the African community.
What role does advocacy play in your organization’s efforts, and how do you engage with policymakers or other stakeholders to support your mission?
Advocacy is very important to us at The Oladele Foundation/African Cancer Support Group. We work to influence decisions that affect cancer care and support for our community. This means talking to policymakers, healthcare leaders, and other important people to make sure our community’s needs are heard.
We contact these leaders, join discussions and share stories to show the specific issues our community faces. By doing this, we help drive change that improves cancer support.
What are the future goals and aspirations for Oladele Foundation/ACSG in the next five to ten years?
In the next five to ten years, we have several key goals. We aim to expand our outreach and support to even more communities. This includes improving our initiatives and enhancing our advocacy efforts to influence better policies for cancer care.
We also plan to strengthen our research collaborations with universities and
healthcare organizations to contribute to advancements in cancer treatment and prevention. Another goal is to build new partnerships with organizations, local businesses and community groups to support our programs and events.
Overall, we want to continue growing our impact, helping more people, and making a real difference in the fight against cancer.
How can individuals, businesses, and the broader community support Oladele Foundation/ACSG in its mission to fight cancer and assist Black African people?
There are many ways people can support our mission. Individuals can volunteer their time, donate, or participate in our events, like the upcoming ACSG Run for Hope Walkathon. Every bit of help makes a difference, whether it is spreading the word, offering your skills, or making a donation.
Businesses can support us by sponsoring our programs, donating services or products, or partnering with us on community outreach efforts. Your support helps us reach more people and provide the services that our community needs.
Individuals and employees of medium to big/large organizations can donate their volunteer hours to us through Benevity.
The broader community can get involved by raising awareness about cancer in the Black African community, advocating for culturally sensitive healthcare, and encouraging open conversations about health and wellness. Together, we can make a real impact.If you’re interested in helping, please contact us at info@africancancer.ca. We are grateful for any support you can offer
Are there any upcoming events or initiatives that you would like to highlight for our audience?
Yes, we are excited to share that we are in the planning stages of a fundraiser to help us raise money to continue our important work supporting cancer patients and their families. Although the details are still being finalized, we are looking forward to bringing our community together for this meaningful cause.
Annually, we celebrate the hope, courage and resilient of cancer patients and cancer survivors and his happens every first weekend in June – called Celebrating Cancer Survivors.
Also, we deliver ready-eat-Turkey meal to cancer patients, survivors and their family members. Our initiative aims to reduce burden, ensuring these deserving families can celebrate Thanksgiving with joy and togetherness.
On December 3, we will be participating in GivingTuesday, it is a worldwide movement to raise funds for NGOs and tax receipts will be issued. people can donate on our website https://oladele.ca/donation/
Our annual Christmas get together is also coming up in December.
If you are interested in getting involved or would like to support us in any way, please reach out to us by email at info@africancancer.ca or at 403-880-6692. We would love to hear from you and appreciate any help you can offer.
We also ask everyone in corporate organization to donate their volunteer dollar through BENEVITY – just search for The Oladele Foundation.
