In September 2020, the life of Atinuke “Tinuke” Solanke and her family changed dramatically. Their 7-year-old son, Neil, who was full of life and energy, suddenly fell ill, complaining of severe stomach pain. What started as a minor ailment turned out to be a diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of pediatric cancer.
This diagnosis marked the beginning of a challenging journey for Tinuke, her husband Gbeke, and their family. Despite seeking treatment both in Nigeria and the United States, the cancer returned even more aggressively after a brief period of remission.
Tinuke had to endure the unimaginable – watching her child suffer, being unable to alleviate his pain, and eventually losing him to the disease in the fall of 2022. Neil passed away in Tinuke’s arms, a moment that she describes as the most traumatic experience of her life.
After Neil’s passing, Tinuke descended into deep despair. The grief and anger consumed her, making it challenging for her to be there for her other children and her husband. Despite having the support of friends and family, she felt isolated and struggled to find a reason to keep moving forward.