Birthday party of The Year: Multitudes celebrate lnt'l health icon, Ndansi Elvis, at 40!.

It was a chummy chummy atmosphere that characterised the weekend in the State of New Jersey, in the United States of America, as multitudes from unarguably all walks of life, gathered for the 40th birthday celebration of renowned health professional of international repute, Ndansi Elvis Nukam. 

The event, which spanned Friday June 9 to Sunday June 11, kicked off on Friday with a Limousine ride. It continued on Saturday with a party, and rounded off on Sunday with a goodbye barbecue and fun at the home of the chief celebrant. 

Friends and relatives, who graced the event, jetted in from California, Nashville, Tennessee, Texas, Maryland, Stanford University, and from across different States of the US. 

Other guests of timbre and calibre, who graced the birthday party, which left even whites in New Jersey stunned, were those of the Cameroonian community in New Jersey, New York and other invitees from across the globe. 

Also present at the birthday party were Cameroonians and Americans who are Board Members of the Unite for Health Foundation, a social impact organisation, as well as the Board Chair of the NGO, Florence Batchana.

Other invitees included Obama scholars, those from the Bar Association, incredible Cameroonian medical doctors, pharmacists, specialists, clinical researchers and the crème de la crème of Cameroon's top business moguls, refined journalists, academics, young and old, residing in the USA. 

The celebrant’s friends, relatives, colleagues, close coteries, as well as other guests, could not hide their admiration for the uniqueness of the event in terms of the perfect manner in which it unfolded, blended with the unrivaled, eye-catching and exquisite décor. 

Many invitees were quick to describe the event as a ‘come-and-see go-and-tell’ birthday party. To others, the 40th birthday celebration of Ndansi Elvis remains the biggest-ever and best-ever life-celebrated event by a Cameroonian in the USA, in recent times. 

Though a genius and philanthropist, yet, very unassuming, Ndansi Elvis’ birthday ceremony, others opined, has set a record that might take long to be beaten in the history of birthday parties organised by Cameroonians in the USA.

Aside gathering to celebrate the go-getting Ndansi Elvis, guests attested that the record-setting birthday was a veritable meeting point for old friends, schoolmates and family members who had long separated. 

Described by many as a ‘never-seen come and see birthday soiree’, the superbly organised star-studded birthday party saw the presence of famed Cameroonians resident in the USA. 

The guests, who were a cream of everybody, all united in purpose, with faces lit with smiles as bright as the glittering flood lights that animated the event hall in New Jersey.

The exquisite decoration added to the melodious sounds which emanated from the organ piano, matched with spotless vocals which rained amazing pieces, setting the mood for what has been unanimously considered as the birthday party of the year. 

Guests confessed that the party was nothing short of a display of appreciation of landmark achievements, wisdom, leadership and of course hard work of the celebrant. 

The special night brought together a mixture of excitement, euphoria and familiarisation, networking, socialising and served as a meeting point for reconciliation, unity of friends, schoolmates and family members.

Little wonder, someone joked that the night gave the opportunity to singles to meet their life partners, heartthrobs and better halves. 

Also conspicuous was the catchy, beautifully designed spots for photographic shots that remained busy till curtains were drawn on the ceremony. It was also a moment for guests to immortalise the ceremony with the celebrant and family. 

Birthday wishes galore 

The celebration, which was streamed live via several social media platforms, also featured wishes from Ndansi’s friends from the across the world, who could not make it to the event. 

Over 50 of his friends, relatives and politicians from across the globe, had compiled  videos, which carried emotion-packed positive testimonies of the impactful role Ndansi has played in the lives of individuals, as well as how he has, in his own way, touched the lives of communities through his unmatched humanitarian works, throughout Cameroon and beyond. 

Through the video compilation, friends hailed his indiscriminate generosity, kindness, tenacity, positivity, hardworking nature and achievements in 40 years. 

In true demonstration of Ndansi’s peace-loving aura, several Cameroonians, especially those resident in the US, and whose relationships were at the level of kill and take the head, had to reconcile their differences. They did not only genuinely and publicly reconcile but were seen embracing each other.

Enter celebrant’s wife 

The celebrant’s wife, Mrs Christabel Ndansi, did not just leave the guests in awe with her gorgeous outfit but also showered the love of her life with words of praise, encouragement and gratitude that left single men wish they could leave bachelorhood instantly. 

Mrs Ndansi, who, in his husband’s words, made most of his achievements and the celebration possible, also use the occasion to express gratitude to God for his blessings on the Ndansi’s family.

Enter celebrant 

Speaking at the event, Ndansi Elvis told guests that his whole 40 years has been an incredible journey, especially as many people did not believe he was 40 because they think he has done so much than a 40-year-old can do. 

“But all through my life, I thank God because from my humble childhood from Misaje, navigating through the difficulties and going to school and becoming who I am today, it is thanks to my mother, who has been an incredible force behind my successes,” he told guests. 

“I am happy that she is alive, strong, very healthy and is able to see who this 40-year-old guy has become,” he said, before adding that “it is all about humanity. I don’t believe in just the word. I believe in empowering people”. 

Ndansi told his guests that he strongly believes in touching the lives of people because at the end of the day, people don’t care how much one knows but how much care you offer. 

“That has always been my guiding principle of trying to touch the lives of people. From Misaje, to Oku, to different places around the world, to Haiti where I helped children. All about me is impacting the lives of people because some day I will leave this world and the only memory that will be left about me will just be how, while alive, I impacted society. Those things are so important to me and so very important considerations,” he explained. 

He reminded guests of the power of hope, noting that all and sundry should continuously be hopeful for the better future, despite the adversity that they go through.

“Everyone has something, but at the end of the day, we just have to consider that in the midst of our struggle, there is a better life that lays ahead of us and that can only be powered by hope. So, I am very happy that I was able to see these people in the hall and have the opportunity to exchange with them,” he said. 

Ndansi the medic, philanthropist, husband…

Ndansi Elvis is a clinical research professional and public health expert. He is founder and president of Unite for Health Foundation, a social impact organisation that assists Cameroonians with access to healthcare through the opening of micro-clinics. 

He has worked in community health for more than a decade and is committed to providing basic healthcare to underserved communities in Cameroon, with a specific focus on reducing maternal mortality in the country. 

He is a Mandela Washington Fellow from Wagner College of New York and a former National Youth President of National Union for Democracy and Progress, UNDP, political party. Ndansi holds Bachelors degree in Nursing Science and a Master’s in Nursing from the University of Buea, Cameroon. He holds a Diploma in Public Health and has received advanced training in bioethics and IRB administration.

He was one of twelve rising leaders around the world chosen to be in the 2018 inaugural cohort of the Obama Foundation Scholars programme at Columbia University in New York. Ndansi is a solutions-focused executive, consultant, thoughtful leader, and board member with proven success across the non-profit and healthcare industries. 

He served as a reputable servant leader in many civic and political leadership positions, both on national and sub-regional levels. Ndansi is author of several books.