ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – The Matiwos Wendu Foundation, a prominent Ethiopian non-profit dedicated to supporting cancer patients and preventing non-communicable diseases, recently marked its 22nd anniversary. The milestone celebration was highlighted by a poignant address from its co-founder and CEO, Ato Wendu Bekele, who revealed his ongoing battle with cancer and how this personal experience has deepened his empathy for the patients the foundation serves.
Ato Wendu established the foundation in profound grief after losing his four-year-old son, Matiwos, to blood cancer. Unable to save his own child, Ato Wendu channeled his sorrow into a powerful mission: to "save many Matiwoses." For over two decades, the foundation has been a beacon of hope, providing crucial assistance to patients and actively supporting initiatives aimed at preventing non-communicable diseases across Ethiopia.
Speaking at the anniversary event, Ato Wendu shared that he has been undergoing cancer treatment for more than a year, both domestically and abroad, since his diagnosis. He emphasized that his current journey through treatment has provided him with an intimate understanding of the challenges and emotions faced by the very patients the foundation strives to assist. "I am undergoing my cancer treatment; during my treatment, I have understood the feelings of patients," he stated, underscoring the personal connection that continues to drive his commitment.
From its humble beginnings, the Matiwos Wendu Foundation has grown significantly. It now employs 43 dedicated staff members and manages nine distinct projects, all focused on its core mission. The organization's impactful contributions have not gone unnoticed, earning it six international and three national awards, a testament to its unwavering dedication and effectiveness in the field of public health and patient support.
During the 22nd-anniversary celebration, Ato Wendu also inaugurated a new paper container manufacturing facility. Located on government-allocated land in the Summit area of Addis Ababa, this facility is designed to serve a dual purpose: it will provide vocational training for caregivers of cancer patients, equipping them with valuable skills, and simultaneously generate income to support the foundation's various programs. Ato Wendu expressed his vision for the future, stating that this facility is just the beginning, with plans for even larger projects to be developed on the site, further expanding the foundation's capacity to assist patients.
The Matiwos Wendu Foundation's journey reflects a powerful transformation of personal tragedy into collective good. Through its sustained efforts, the foundation continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of countless Ethiopians affected by cancer and other non-communicable diseases, embodying its founder's enduring legacy of compassion and resilience.
Source: Telegram / tikvahethiopia