As we begin a new year, we do so together. With gratitude for what has been, and focus on what lies ahead, this mailer brings together voices, moments and stories from across our regions.
Thank you for the care you give, the consistency you bring, and the hope you help create every day.

Walking the Journey Together

Luhle’s Story

My name is Ongezwa. I am 33 years old and from Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape. I am a quiet person who enjoys my own space, and I am the proud mom of Luhle, my 8-year-old daughter. Luhle is outspoken, bubbly and full of life. She loves people, books and learning new things.

In July 2025, Luhle began complaining of severe stomach pain. She was limping and her posture did not look right. At first, I thought she might be pretending because she didn’t want to go to school, but as the pain worsened, I became deeply concerned. I asked a friend to help me take her to St Elizabeth Hospital.

There, the doctor suspected appendicitis and we were transferred the same day to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital for emergency surgery. When we arrived, we were told that the scanning department was closed and that we would have to wait until the next day. We had left home in a hurry and had no food, warm clothes or blankets. I felt helpless and afraid.

A few hours later, I was asked to sign consent forms and told that Luhle would be taken into theatre. That was when I broke down. I blamed myself for not listening to her sooner and questioned everything, even God. I was terrified that my daughter could die.

Time passed with no updates. Eventually, a doctor came to speak to me and said he had bad news. He explained that they had found a mass in Luhle’s stomach, between her lungs and kidneys, and that one of her kidneys had already been damaged. They could not operate and had taken samples to test for cancer. At that moment, my body felt numb. I could not hear anything else he said.

Shortly after, I was asked to leave the ward as unfortunately parents were not allowed to stay. It felt like my world had collapsed.

Luhle was not allowed to eat for three days. When she woke up, all I could do was sing to her to distract her from the hunger. When the test results came back, the doctor told me she had nephroblastoma. I searched online and was overwhelmed by what I read. We were told another sample would be sent to Pretoria and that Luhle would need urgent treatment at Frere Hospital, as the tumour was growing rapidly.

In May, we transferred to Frere Hospital and Luhle began chemotherapy. I already had some understanding of the treatment, as my mother had gone through chemotherapy herself. We spent three months in hospital, getting to know the nurses, doctors and other mothers, before we were allowed to move to the CHOC House.

By that time, I was emotionally exhausted and depressed. I had lost hope in the health system and just wanted to go home. But I was proven wrong.

The CHOC House was clean, warm and felt like a home away from home. The staff were kind, gentle and welcoming. I no longer felt alone. I made new friends and stopped worrying constantly about our situation.

I love CHOC with all my heart. Thank you for reminding us that we matter, not only as parents, but as families walking the childhood cancer journey. Your care restored my hope.

Make Your Impact Go Even Further

Section 18A Reminder

At CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, every donation helps provide essential care and support to children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders, and their families.

Did you know that your generosity can also benefit you?

CHOC is a registered Public Benefit Organisation and is approved to issue Section 18A tax certificates, allowing qualifying donations to be claimed as a tax-deductible expense (up to 10% of taxable income). This means your support not only changes lives, it can also make a difference at tax year-end.

Important to note:

In accordance with SARS requirements, a donation may qualify for either a Section 18A tax certificate or an SED letter, not both. Donors are therefore required to indicate which option they wish to receive.

How to request your Section 18A certificate:

• Complete the relevant request form:

1. Individuals
2. Corporates

• Submit the form together with proof of payment
• Email the documents to donations@choc.org.za

Section 18A certificates may also be issued for in-kind donations, subject to the submission of supporting documentation required for verification.

For any queries, please contact donations@choc.org.za. 



 

New Flip Flop Day Merchandise

Every Bag Has a Story

Each bag you receive carries more than items, it carries a story.

Every name represents a child, teenager or family CHOC has supported on the childhood cancer journey in the past year. A journey marked by courage, uncertainty, resilience and hope. These bags are a reminder that behind every campaign, every sticker, and every moment of support, there is a real person and a real story.

They symbolise the families who have walked through our doors, the hands we’ve held, and the care we continue to provide, from accommodation and transport to emotional and educational support.

When you carry this bag, you carry a story of hope. And together, we ensure no family ever walks alone.

Get Involved in Flip Flop Day

Listen to the Flip Flop Day Song

Written by Keith Juluka.
Turn up the volume, get those dance moves ready, and help us spark a nationwide challenge that invites everyone to flip, move, and show their support. Listen Here.

Upcoming Events:

Midmar with Meaning

This year, our CHOC swimmers are taking on the Midmar Mile with more than endurance, they’re swimming with purpose. Each stroke represents solidarity with children, teenagers and families navigating the childhood cancer journey. We are incredibly proud of everyone diving in for CHOC and carrying hope across the water.

The 5km Big Walk for Young Warriors

The 5km Big Walk for Young Warriors invites families, friends and communities to come together in support of children and teenagers affected by cancer.

This walk is about more than distance, it’s about visibility, unity and showing young warriors and their families that they are surrounded by care and encouragement. Every step taken helps raise awareness and supports CHOC’s work in providing essential services to families across South Africa.

Whether you walk in honour of a child, in support of a family, or simply to stand in solidarity, this is a meaningful way to be part of the CHOC journey.

Walk with purpose. Walk with hope.

International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD)

15 February 2026

As we approach International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD), we join the global community in raising awareness for children and teenagers affected by cancer, and the families who walk this journey alongside them.

ICCD is a reminder that childhood cancer care goes beyond treatment, it is about access, support, dignity and hope. At CHOC, this day reflects the work we do every day: ensuring families are supported emotionally, practically and holistically, no matter where they are in South Africa.

Together, through awareness, advocacy and action, we continue to stand with children and families and to amplify the message that no one should face childhood cancer alone.