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10 children and young people are still being diagnosed every day in the UK.
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Chizi was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in August 2012 when he was just three months old. Tragically, Chizi did not survive his diagnosis and passed away on 5 November 2014. His dad, Oke, tells their story:
Our journey with cancer began when Chizi was just three months old in August 2012. The first signs were subtle – a swollen stomach, unusual irritability, and feeding problems. As second-time parents to a newborn, we initially thought these were normal baby issues. But a mother’s instinct told us that something wasn’t right.
The neuroblastoma diagnosis hit us like a thunderbolt. Our tiny baby, who had barely begun his life, was fighting an aggressive cancer. The treatment was brutal – intensive chemotherapy that ravaged his little body. Side effects were severe: vomiting, weight loss, darkened nails, hair loss, and compromised immunity. Through it all, Chizi showed remarkable resilience. Even with tubes and monitors attached, he would smile, his eyes twinkling with an inner light that never dimmed. His mum stayed with him in the hospital for three months, showing incredible strength as she watched our baby endure treatment that would challenge even an adult.
Even with tubes and monitors attached, he would smile.
When remission came, it felt like a miracle. For two precious years, we watched Chizi grow into a vibrant, mischievous toddler. He formed an incredible bond with his sister Omasi, filled our home with laughter, and showed no signs of his early battle. We dared to believe the worst was behind us.
Then came the devastating relapse. Just after Halloween in 2014, Chizi developed concerning symptoms. Initial misdiagnoses led to delays, but finally, we received the crushing news – acute myeloid leukaemia, a secondary cancer caused by his earlier treatment. The very medicine that had saved him had now become his enemy. This time, everything happened so quickly. The leukaemia was aggressive, and Chizi’s little body, already scarred from his first battle, couldn’t fight back as strongly. The side effects were immediate and severe. We watched helplessly as our energetic boy became weaker by the day.
On Bonfire Night 2014, while fireworks lit up the sky, our precious Chizi slipped away. He was just two and a half years old. His last conscious words, asking for his shoes to go home, still echo in my heart.
The impact on our family was profound. Omasi, at four years old, struggled to understand why her brother couldn’t come back. Chioma and I had to find ways to support each other through our grief while helping Omasi navigate her loss. Our extended family, both in the UK and Nigeria, provided crucial support during these dark times. His brief life, filled with such love and courage, became a beacon of hope. The lessons he taught us about resilience, joy in the face of adversity, and the power of love continue to guide us.
The impact on our family was profound.
Today, ten years after losing Chizi, his impact continues to grow. While our family has been blessed with more children including Chizi’s big sister Omasi joined by Nkasi and Kinikachi, Chizi’s memory guides our mission to support others facing similar challenges.
Oke, Chizi’s dad, January 2025
If you’ve been touched by Chizi’s story, help us invest in the high quality research that really matters which would otherwise go unfunded.
This helps to support children with cancer so they can be with their families for longer.
Many of our supporters have been affected by childhood cancer – either through family, friends or their own personal experience. These patient stories can help inspire others to get involved with us, or can support our media work.
If you have a story that you would like to tell, .
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