Mercy Said No
About Us
Compassion rooted in heritage. Care that reaches the people who need it most.
Our story
When Mercy Said No started
In 2011, our founder heard a message that challenged her to be not just a believer, but a doer. She rallied family and friends to collect clothing, shoes, books and toys for underserved communities.
Standing in those communities, she saw the need went far beyond material support. How do you clothe a sick body? Can a child truly learn when they are unwell? Without health, every other kind of support only goes so far.
She brought together the medical professionals in her network, and that meeting became the foundation of our annual medical mission.
“If we can help save a life, we can help save a generation.”
Ms. Mide Lawson, Founder
01
Who we are
A registered 501(c)(3) non-profit coordinating medical missions across African countries since 2012.
02
Why we were founded
To answer the reality of limited access to basic healthcare with sustainable outreach, education and community engagement.
03
Our aims & goals
To deliver evidence-based, patient-centered care, screenings and health education that improve outcomes and promote prevention.
Our impact
Behind every number is a family
Our focus
Fighting the diseases that are often overlooked
We focus on non-communicable diseases, particularly hypertension and diabetes. In underserved communities these conditions remain among the leading causes of preventable illness and death.
By prioritising early detection and continuity of care, we reduce complications, improve quality of life and prevent avoidable loss of life.
- Screening and diagnosis
- Treatment and medicines
- Education on managing chronic conditions
- Referrals and follow-up
Our leadership
The people behind the missions
The Mercy Said No board provides vision, direction and accountability, guiding every mission with integrity so our work stays true to its purpose.
Mide Lawson
Founder
Dapo Oduye
Medical Director
Ope Tomori
Board Member
Toyosi Idris
Board Member
Dr. Wasiu Adisa
Board Member
Our journey
From one question to an annual mission
Scroll through the moments that turned a single question into care for thousands.
2011
The calling
“How do you clothe a sick body?”
Our founder rallies family and friends to collect clothing, shoes, books and toys for underserved communities, and comes home with a burden to do more.
2012
The first medical mission
Medical professionals from her network come together for our first medical mission to Nigeria, and we return every single year through 2019.
2020
A pause, not an ending
COVID-19 shuts the world down, and for the first time since 2012 the mission cannot travel.
2021
Back on the ground
The medical mission to Nigeria resumes, and it has returned every year since.
2024
Our fundraising gala
Supporters come together at our gala to grow the reach of every mission.
2025
Mission and gala
Another year of screenings, treatment and health education, celebrated with our supporters.
2026
Bridging the healthcare gap
Our 14th medical mission, and our gala, Bridging Africa’s Healthcare Gap.
Our values
What guides our work
Transparency
We are accountable to our donors, partners and the communities we serve.
Collaboration
Impact is stronger when it is shared with local and global partners.
Compassion
Every patient is seen, valued and treated with dignity.
Get involved
There is a place for you in this work
Give
Fund medicines, screenings and care. Give once or every month.
Volunteer
Doctors, nurses, pharmacists and non-medical volunteers all have a role on mission.
Partner
Organisations, churches and businesses can partner with us to support a mission.
Your impact matters
Every donation, medical or financial, helps us reach one more community and care for one more family.