Resilience and Faith: The Inspiring Journey of Bavoshiya Gloria Nyan

Strength isn't solely defined by what one can withstand; for Bavoshiya Gloria Nyan, it is shown by her refusal to surrender. Each day, she navigates her life with a steadfast resolve—oxygen tank by her side, faith unwavering, purpose firmly held.

For almost two decades, her body has faced haunting adversities including various cancers, a brain tumor, and deteriorating lungs, yet to those who encounter her, she is not just a patient but a trailblazer. Her noble grace showcases that while she breathes in a unique manner compared to others, her quest for purpose remains as vital and natural as the air she constantly fights for.

Long before her plight began, Bavoshiya was already an advocate; even before facing her own challenges, she was actively providing assistance to others. In 2005, she established what later evolved into the Kuna Foundation, unaware that her compassionate efforts would ensure her own survival. The community she supported has now become her lifeline.

A Life-Altering Diagnosis (2008)

In February 2008, mere months postpartum, Bavoshiya, a 54-year-old single mother from Southern Kaduna, found herself in a consulting room at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, receiving an unimaginable diagnosis.

"Initial concerns stemmed from breast complications while breastfeeding," she recounts. "A biopsy revealed benign results initially; however, three months later, the prognosis changed to malignant."

Cancer had not previously existed in her family, making the diagnosis all the more shocking and devastating. After seeking a second opinion at the National Hospital in Abuja, which again reported benign results, uncertainty loomed until the definitive diagnosis uncovered a daunting journey of nearly twenty years filled with life-threatening challenges.

"The most difficult aspect was not just the physical anguish but also the mental strain—the anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline," she reflects.

Illness transformed not just her body, but also her perception. She learned to interpret her body’s signals—noticeable changes in skin tone, adjustments in vision—becoming acutely aware of any signs indicating something may be wrong. Survival required heightened awareness.

A Near-Fatal Battle

As the years progressed, she faced further diagnoses. "I have battled breast, intestinal, liver, and stomach cancers, alongside many complications," she explains.

By 2020, winter equated to frequent hospital visits. However, stomach cancer posed the gravest threat to her life, rendering her bedridden due to overwhelming ulcers, infections, and intense discomfort. The financial burden was enormous: treatment at a hospital in Ajman required N17.5 million, while she had only managed to raise N3.5 million.

"For twenty years, I supported others in fundraising; never did I consider being the recipient of a campaign," she shares. When her close friend, Mommy Dudu, insisted on orchestrating one on her behalf, it felt like a breach of her identity as a giver.

In a turn of irony, the compassion she once provided returned to her, as friends, family, and even strangers rallied to her cause.

Despite her lungs worsening, requiring a battery-operated oxygen concentrator for mobility, a thoughtful friend came through with the necessary apparatus, alleviating a month of isolation and despair.

Following a successful surgery, the prospect of lifelong oxygen dependency felt like a devastating loss. For several years, she utilized oxygen for up to 18 hours each day. Now, although improved, she still requires it regularly, coupled with two injections a day costing $168 and $35 monthly. Concentrators reside in her bedroom, workspace, and vehicle, with a portable unit accompanying her at all times.

Her health struggles have tested her faith continually, leading her to ponder the questions many believers face: Why me? Nevertheless, doubt never wavered her faith. In her perspective, oxygen, limitations, and suffering serve as reminders of grace instead of abandonment.

Her daughter remains the strongest motivation for her to persevere. "She is my reason for living," Bavoshiya asserts. Her interpretation of strength has evolved; it now encompasses the resolve to rise each morning and make the choice to persist.

Community Support

For Bavoshiya, the medical professionals across Nigeria and the UAE have become akin to family—those who have overseen her surgeries and health crises.

She underscores the impact of Dr. Musiliu Kola Odunola of Al-Mansur Specialist Hospital, Kaduna, who provided invaluable support throughout her daunting health confrontations. Tragically, he passed away in December 2025, leaving behind a rich legacy of lives improved, including hers.

"The loss of the physician who delivered my daughter and cared for me over the years deeply saddens me. Before he died, he made sure my care continued seamlessly," she lamented.

Nearly twenty years post-diagnosis, Bavoshiya’s life is organized around medical routines, oxygen supplies, therapeutic regimens, and physical limitations. However, it is equally defined by acts of kindness, gratitude, and determination. Through her foundation, she consistently raises funds to support cancer patients and help restore dignity to widows. She is acutely aware of the imposing statistics, the underlying fears, and the profound impact of kindness.

"I take each day with thankfulness," she professes. "My existence may appear distinct, but it is still filled with purpose."

Each morning, she arises and tackles the day ahead—breathing in her unique manner, yet still breathing.

In heartfelt conversation with her daughter Maya, a final-year international relations student, she remarked, "For as long as I recall, hospitals were a part of my upbringing."

Maya further commented she often perceived her mother’s diagnosis through the gradual crescendo of experiences—surgeries, hushed dialogues, and pervasive sterile scents within hospital corridors. "By the time I was in secondary school, it dawned on me that my mother wasn't just unwell; she was battling cancer."

Contrasting with friends who discussed mundane motherly tasks—school errands and joyous outings—Maya often felt like an outsider. Her reality exhibited much variance: "My mother was constantly in and out of the hospital, with prolonged periods where I resided with friends or relatives. The experience of boarding school only intensified this distance. Anxiety about her health became my norm."

As a youth, she grasped one crucial truth: cancer is an overwhelmingly significant issue. Yet as time progressed, she naturally assumed responsibilities linked to her mother's care. She became fluent in the names of medications, understood their schedules, and stood ready to assist when reminders were needed.

Emotionally, she strived to provide what encouragement she could—an uphill battle when one’s beloved is grappling for their breath.

"The diagnoses accumulated—various cancers, a brain tumor, and failing lungs requiring ongoing oxygen therapy,” she reflected. “Witnessing my mother confront this reality has been both exhausting and heart-wrenching. There were genuinely distressing periods in our journey."

However, evolving experiences and improved medical frameworks have shifted the cadence of fear.

"My solace lies in knowing that my mother’s journey has instilled in me the importance of kindness and being supportive during challenging times—after all, she never ceased to uplift others even when facing her own battles."

Amidst it all, Maya has drawn encouragement from the unwavering support of family and companions who have remained steadfast. Yet the most profound source of inspiration continues to be her mother, whose resilience against life’s adversities speaks volumes.

In reminiscence, Rev. Dr. Yunusa Nmadu shared his first interaction with Bavoshiya—which sparked online amid a politically charged discussion.

"The exchange was quite intense, but over time, through mutual acquaintances, our paths crossed on multiple occasions, and I grew to understand her better," he recounted.

As he got to know Bavoshiya, he became aware of the trials stemming from her illness, which she continues to combat.

“It deeply resonated with me to discover her foundation and the selfless undertakings she pursues for others despite her persistent struggles. Her resolve and commitment to service are nothing short of inspiring," he articulated.

Rev. Yunusa emphasized there are times when Bavoshiya experiences emotional exhaustion and psychological stress. During such instances, when she feels adrift, she seeks solace and upliftment.

"I have offered support by providing counsel, praying, and helping her regain her spirit," he mentioned.

He also recognized the financial strains affecting her treatment, yet she persists in her dedication to empowering women via her NGO, unfailingly striving to spread joy to those around her. In such moments, Rev. Yunusa is by her side—spiritually and morally nurturing her, constantly reminding her of her enduring strength and benevolence.

Bavoshiya's life is a powerful narrative of resilience rooted in surrender, community, and unwavering faith. She bears her health challenges gracefully, allowing them to reshape rather than define her purpose. By facing mortality head-on, she embraces life wholeheartedly. Through every diagnosis, injection, and each laborious breath, she remains committed to serving others.