After twenty-one years of raising two children with disabilities, Dr. Judith Foyabo has chosen to share her journey, lessons, and recommendations with the world through her book Mission Beyond Diagnosis. The 122-page memoir was officially launched in Yaoundé on Friday, April 3.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Foyabo recounted the emotional toll of her experience, revealing that she was devastated when her first son was diagnosed with autism—a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person perceives, communicates, and interacts with the world. Her second child, a daughter, was also born with a disability.
Driven by a determination to bring joy and dignity to her children’s lives, she drew valuable lessons from her experience, now captured in Mission Beyond Diagnosis.
“When you go through something—pain, strain—you turn it into purpose. And that is what this book is all about,” she said.
Emphasizing the importance of love and unity within families, Dr. Foyabo described the resilience required to navigate such challenges.
“For 21 years, I was a mother, a wife, a caregiver. I went through things many people did not see or know,” she noted.
Reflecting on her motivation to write the book, the author added: “After 21 years, I looked around and saw that no one was talking about it, no one was writing about it. I asked myself, ‘How am I going to help those who come after me?’”
The US-based Nurse Practitioner cautioned parents against relying solely on prayers, urging them instead to seek early medical intervention. She also highlighted the importance of financial preparedness—an issue she explores in detail in the memoir.
On a hopeful note, Dr. Foyabo revealed that her efforts have borne fruit, as her son has defied expectations and is now in college.
Reviewing the book, Prof. Tembe Estella Epse Fokunang observed that in Cameroon, perceptions of disability often fall into two categories: those who are ignorant and those who are aware but unwilling to accept reality. She stressed that disability is not linked to witchcraft and that no one should be blamed, reinforcing the author’s message.
Speaking to journalists after the launch, Edwin Fongod Nuvaga, Director General of the Customs Department, described the event as remarkable.
“This is the first time I’m attending a book launch in Yaoundé with all seats occupied. This shows the topic resonated with many,” he said, adding that he was deeply moved by the author’s testimony and encouraged others to learn from it.
