Olutoyin “Toyin” Oyekan (41 years old) was diagnosed with cervical cancer on Thanksgiving
Day in 2019. After the initial diagnosis, she underwent a series of chemotherapy and radiation
treatments in the Dallas area. Her progress was considered remarkable! Family and friends
were thrilled with the success of the initial results. Her follow-up after the initial series of
treatments called for screening every 3 months. In 2022, Toyin began to experience
excruciating cramps and other symptoms. Six months later, the news came that the cancer had
returned in an advanced and aggressive stage. The care team recommended chemotherapy,
but no radiation. The overall care plan was to attempt to make the tumor undetectable, then
transfer her to palliative care. The recommended treatment provided no hope for her survival.
Family members started looking into integrative cancer centers and found a non-residential
facility, the Envita Medical Center in Arizona, which seemed promising. The Envita care team
reviewed her case and agreed to treat her. She had to leave her two children in Garland, TX
and go to Scottsdale, AZ to continue her battle against cancer. It has been an up-and-down
journey-- mentally, emotionally, medically, spiritually and financially. Although Toyin goes back
and forth from Garland to Scottsdale to receive treatment, she has managed to maintain a
positive attitude and keep a smile on her face. As Toyin battles, she manages the care that her
sons, L'Darius Jr. (6) and Va Shon (15), and works as much as she can to maintain financial
stability. Despite her efforts, the financial toll on the family has been overwhelming. The method
of payment at Envita Medical Center is self-pay. The will to live and see her sons grow up has
been the driving motivation throughout her battle with cancer.
Toyin passed away on October 8, 2024.