Kansas City’s Own Dr. Juliet Appiah: A Beacon of Hope for Cancer Patients in Ghana
In the vibrant city of Kansas City, Mo., Dr. Juliet Appiah wears many hats. By week, she serves as a dedicated medical oncologist and hematologist, focusing her efforts on cancer patients in the Northland. But when the weekend rolls around, she shifts her focus to a cause very close to her heart—helping the community that nurtured her in Ghana.
A Journey Fueled by Personal Loss
Dr. Appiah’s journey into philanthropy was ignited by a personal tragedy. The loss of her aunt to breast cancer at a young age profoundly affected her. It was this experience that sparked her desire to give back to her home country. As she put it, “I feel compelled to help back home.” This heartfelt commitment led her to establish the Cancer Support Network Foundation in 2018, where she offers financial and emotional support to cancer patients throughout Ghana.
Facing Harsh Realities
The stark reality of cancer treatment in Ghana often stands in sharp contrast to that available in the United States. While many breast cancer patients in the U.S. have a clear path to treatment, the five-year survival rate for women in sub-Saharan Africa hovers around 50 percent, according to the World Health Organization. Dr. Appiah remarked, “If you do not have the money, you will die.” This heartbreaking reality drives her mission every day.
Growing Needs and Milestones
Since launching her foundation, the demand for support has only escalated. Dr. Appiah recalled how her initial goal was modest—providing treatment for just five people. She has since surpassed that goal multiple times, much to her amazement. “The requests are beyond me,” she admitted, adding, “My husband and I — our paycheck alone cannot do it.”
Despite these challenges, Dr. Appiah finds immense joy in her work. “Seeing people not in pain, seeing people healthy, seeing people wanting to fight because they have the support they need really brings me a lot of joy and fulfillment,” she shared. It’s this fulfillment that keeps her pressing forward, ensuring that her patients receive not just treatment, but also the emotional support they desperately need.
Bridging the Gap: Screening Across Continents
Twice a year, Dr. Appiah embarks on a journey across the Atlantic to conduct cancer screenings—from bustling urban centers to remote villages. She emphasizes that the financial burden of treatment can be overwhelming for many Ghanaians. “The majority of people don’t even have work to support themselves; even feeding is difficult,” she explained. This underscores the importance of her mission, as patients often face an uphill battle to access adequate healthcare.
The Next Chapter in Ghana
Dr. Appiah is gearing up for her next trip to Ghana, scheduled for late December. During this visit, she will focus on screening patients specifically for cervical cancer, aiming to continue her essential work in the field of cancer care.
As her commitment to providing hope and healing grows, Dr. Juliet Appiah stands as a beacon of light for cancer patients both in Kansas City and her beloved Ghana. Her story is a testament to the power of compassion and activism, inspiring many to join her in this vital cause.
In a world where cancer can feel isolating, Dr. Appiah’s efforts remind us that, indeed, we’re all in this together. And with support—financial, emotional, or just a kind word—lives can change for the better.
