Liza Cancer Center – Embu, Kenya

Introduction:
When my sister Liza Waganagwa Rose was diagnosed with cancer in 2014, it was very devastating for family and close friends who knew her closely. One month prior to her diagnosis, she had been blessed with a bouncing baby Liam Sifa Muna. Her new condition reinforced her determination to fight on, not just for herself but also those who were and are still suffering a similar fate. Liza decided to start a foundation dubbed Liza Cancer Care Foundation (LCCF) - Embu, with the primary objective of promoting early cancer detection services among members of her rural community, Embu. This noble objective was influenced by the fact that Liza was diagnosed with Lung Cancer at Stage 4, rather too advanced. The cancer had spread to other parts of the body including the liver, kidneys, bones and brain. Despite the pain she was going through, Liza always found time to make annual trips to her rural home of Embu where cancer has become an epidemic.

Liza Cancer Foundation:
Liza spent a considerable amount of time trying to lobby for resources to start a cancer diagnostic center within the county of Embu from the year 2014. She had just succeeded in securing an ideal piece of land for the construction of the center shortly before she was rushed to the ICU at the Presbyterian Hospital Plano, Dallas USA where she died on the 22nd January 2017. Liza's death was a big blow to her young family but it was not in vain as it has given us a renewed determination to fight the cancer menace on her behalf. Her son Liam still believes his mother is still sleeping. We thank God for her loving and caring husband Darnay Rose who stood by her hospital bed for 6 running days until the hour of her death. Darnay is trying very hard to give the young Liam all the care and love he needs as he grows up.

Roadmap to realizing Liza's dream:
As Liza's elder brother, I can attest to the fact that Liza has lived her entire life as a philanthropist, right from her youthful days to the hour of her demise. Liza had a big dream of giving back to her community, a dream her husband Darnay and I feel morally obligated to pursue in her honor. With support from well wishers, we would like to make the Cancer Early Detection Center in Embu a reality. If Liza's cancer was detected early enough, she might have lived to see her son Liam grow considering that her cancer type was treatable by pills. Help us advance Liza's noble cause with a potential of saving thousands of lives. We intend to construct and equip Liza Cancer Center in Embu, starting with early detection equipment, awareness and counseling services. Our ultimate goal is to introduce treatment equipment and facilities as well. This will be the first prototype project of its kind through a private initiative in Kenya. Your generosity will go a long way in saving other people's lives. God bless.

Local contributions can be channeled via M-pesa Paybill 624444, account name being your full names.

Below are extracts from some of the tributes read during Liza's memorial service in Embu Kenya on the 4th February 2017.

"... When I joined Kyeni Girls high school, I was struggling to fit in. You see I came from a very local primary school where we didn’t even wear shoes. Everything therefore seemed very intimidating. Yet, you made me feel comfortable. You even invited and welcomed me into your home! That was a very big deal.You let me call you my friend. You will never know how you lifted my self-esteem. My self-worth. I felt wanted... "

--- Purity ---

"... Her strength helped us get through the struggles and the will to fight each day, along with her strong faith and belief in God. She never stopped caring and doing for others even during her daily fight. There is a void in my day as I just want to talk or hear her voice, but the thoughts and constant reminder of her will keep me grounded and working toward our family and life goals we set together. I can say I truly loved her each day, this is a love that I never felt before and will stay with me every day I see my son and my Liza... "
--- Darnay ---

"......Sister, you were so full of life and love! You lived passionately, boldly and you loved with love. You lived gracefully to the end, even through a torturous illness. I am so proud of the life you led, of the values you held and the woman you were. Heaven has indeed gained an angel. You have given us beautiful lessons and I celebrate you today, Sister of my Heart. Sister I will honor your memory by living some of the values you taught me – loving with love, a passion for life, quiet strength and humility. You have inspired me to strive to be the best I can be as I journey through this world to our heavenly home..... "

--- Terry ----

"....Thank you for teaching us to fight silently, never really complaining, you fought a brave and strong battle for 2 years with so much prayer and grace, cancer never allowed you to get better but you accomplished your purpose. You were beautiful inside and out. You were so real and such a wonderful mother, may your spirit live on through Liam and how I pray he will one day know how much you loved him and how hard you tried to stay with him, I will miss your travel updates and the inspirational posts.... "

--- Irene ---

"--- Those who have interacted with you will attest to your generosity and unwavering desire to always be the voice of the voiceless, defender of justice and a strong believer that we were all created equal in the eyes of God. We choose to celebrate your life in honor of the charity missions you supported in your quest to support the less fortunate in our society. We thank God for the time he gave us with you. It was time absolutely well spent and you will forever more remain our heroine. May the Almighty God Rest Your Soul in Eternal Peace till we meet again my dear sister... "

--- Caesar ---

"... CARING and SHARING can truly give you an idea of the type of beautiful person Liza had become. When this young woman came into my son's life I was truly grateful to God. She brought love, friendship, joy and contentment to all of us. Her loving compassion was always noticed and that beautiful smile was radiant and before long you would have a smile on your face as well. Her patience with Darnay and Liam shows so much love. Our family is greatly saddened but so grateful to God for sharing her with our family... "

--- Rosie ---