Month: Feb 2023

Pretoria: South Africa will tomorrow (Wednesday) join the global community to observe the International Childhood Cancer Day to raise awareness and improve understanding of childhood cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of death in high-income countries amongst children under the age of 15.

Although childhood cancer is relatively rare, the incidence rate has been increasing which may be due to awareness. Almost 400 000 children are diagnosed annually, and South Africa accounts for almost 1500 of this global number. Many children with cancer in low-and-middle-income countries are either not diagnosed on time or referred too late for curative care. One of the contributing factors for this, is a lack of awareness and knowledge of the early warning signs.

The most common types of childhood cancers include leukaemia, lymphoma, brain, kidney and eye tumours.

The Department of Health working together with the South African Children’s Cancer Study Group and CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa have initiated a programme to disseminate information to empower the communities with knowledge about the early warning signs and the unique and complex challenges faced by children with cancer and their families. They also endeavour to offer support all children during their arduous journey.

The World Health Organization, governments, civil society organisations and health care workers are in partnership to meet the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) goals of a 60% overall survival in children and adolescents with cancer in low-and middle-income countries by 2030.

International Childhood Cancer Day is observed annually across the world on February 15, and the 2023 campaign is observed under the theme: #ThroughTheirHands, which focusses on paying tribute to the families and caregivers, and the positive impact they have on the lives of children and adolescents living with cancer.

The community, parents and caregivers are urged to familiarise themselves with the Siluan Early Warning Signs (https://choc.org.za/childhood-cancer-early-warning-signs/).

CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA is humbled to have been chosen to join one of the most auspicious global alliances supporting children who are undergoing cancer treatment, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Global Alliance. This Accolade is testimony to the paediatric oncologists and medical fraternity, the South African Department of Health, our employees, volunteers, and donors who all come together to give these families the chance to overcome childhood cancer.

As St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Global Alliance recognises CHOC and becomes part of our family it means that we share the belief that every child, everywhere deserves the chance to live regardless of race, religion, or the ability to pay for treatment.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is one of the largest, most respected paediatric cancer research hospitals in the world and is non-profit. No family receives a bill from the hospital, ever. St. Jude treats about 8,600 patients a year including patients from around the world.

Over the last 60 years, their research and treatments have helped raise paediatric cancer survival rates in the US from 20% to 80% and even 94% for some types of cancer. St. Jude treats all patients regardless of race, religion or the ability to pay. Globally 400,000 children (0-19 years) are diagnosed with cancer each year of which roughly 1000 are South African.

We are a Non-Profit Organisation and rely on funds donated by individuals, companies, trusts and foundations. We also host a number of fundraising projects and events to accrue further funding. Without CHOC, many children – particularly those from low-income households living far from treatment centres – would not adhere to the necessary but arduous treatment path. CHOC has a proven ability to deliver sustainable solutions effectively and is an established brand endorsed by specialists. Our reporting on expenditure is detailed, accurate and we provide audited financial statements annually. We have demonstrated visible growth and have proved that we deliver results. To donate to CHOC please click here.

Hedley Lewis comments, CHOC CEO has said “For a non-profit organisation on the tip of Africa, this is a dream come true. We trust that this partnership is dedicated to the shared vision of improving the quality of healthcare delivery and increasing survival rates of children with cancer and blood disorders, not only in South Africa but worldwide”.

CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA Flip Flop Day 2023 – Get Your Flip Flops Out!

Did you know, in some way or form, each and every single one of us is affected by childhood cancer? While it may not affect you directly in some cases – it could be someone close to you – a beloved family member or the child of a close friend or colleague. But one thing is for certain – we all know of one brave little child or teenager fighting against it every day.

But they’re never alone – these courageous soldiers will always have the support, love and strength from those around them, even if it’s through a donation from a stranger who they will never meet.

CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa is an advocate for the fight against this life-threatening illness – offering psychosocial, emotional and patient facing support to families and children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer.

Made up of passionate, caring, committed and dedicated staff and volunteers, CHOC’s one goal is simple – to save lives through early detection, and to enable us all to stand up, stand strong and stand together to support these fearless little warriors.

Our 4^th Annual Flip Flop Day Is Almost Here!

We’re not really about counting the days here – we’re more about making each and every day count. CHOC is about using HOPE as the medicine for all diseases.

And so, Flip Flop Day and Flippie have stepped up to the forefront to get every South African – young or old, the corporate or casual, the beach-side dweller or the city slicker – to get up and literally wear their heart on their soles on Friday the 17^th of February 2023!

He’s told us to pass this message to you, “Rise up and join us! Kick off those shoes and let your toes be free on Friday, the 17^th of February 2023 by showing your support and love for our warriors by flipping on a pair of flip flops. Let’s show this life-threatening disease that we South Africans are a force to be reckoned with!

“I’m ready to show my support! Where can I get my Flip Flop Day sticker?”

As the needs of the children, teenagers and their families increase and our desire to enhance our augmentation of the medical fraternity treatment continues, we are aiming to raise even more than R2 MILLION last year!

Partnered for greatness, you can get your sticker for only R10 at your nearest PNA, Tekkie Town, or by visiting www.choc.org.za or popping into your nearest CHOC region.

Hedley Lewis, CHOC CEO, comments “your small donation will make the biggest difference in the lives of these valiant little ones and their families. With your R10, you are not only helping CHOC fund their Core Programmes, but you’ll also be giving the gift of hope, solidarity and support to anyone and everyone fighting against cancer”.

So, are you ready to be flip’n awesome this Flip Flop Day? Ready to flip on your favourite pair of flip flops and rock out with your toes out?

Corporate companies, small businesses, ladies and gents – let’s do this together – let’s help pave the way with love and support for these amazing kids to see a brighter tomorrow.