Category: The Press

International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month campaign highlights early warning signs, family stories and practical ways to support children and teenagers diagnosed with childhood cancer.

This International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA is asking South Africans to Have a Heart: to learn the SILUAN Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer, listen to the stories behind every diagnosis and take action to support children and teenagers on their cancer journey.

Every year, an estimated 400 000 children and teenagers between the ages of 0 to 19 are diagnosed with cancer worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, more than 80% of children with cancer are cured in high-income countries, while fewer than 30% are cured in many low- and middle-income countries.  This difference is linked to several challenges, including delays or missed diagnoses, difficulty accessing treatment, interruptions to care and unequal access to essential medicines and technologies. In South Africa, approximately 1 000 children and teenagers are diagnosed with cancer each year.  However, too many are still diagnosed late or may never reach a paediatric oncology unit. Improving awareness and strengthening referral pathways are essential to ensuring that more children access the treatment and support they need as early as possible.

“Having a heart means paying attention, speaking up and acting early. It means recognising persistent symptoms, supporting families through treatment and helping ensure that no child, teenager or family has to navigate the cancer journey alone,” Eugene Subban, Chairman of CHOC says.

CHOC encourages parents, caregivers, educators, healthcare workers and communities to know the SILUAN’s Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer:

• S – Seek medical help early for ongoing symptoms.
• I – Eye changes, including a white spot in the eye, a new squint, sudden blindness or a bulging eyeball.
• L – A lump on the stomach, pelvis, head, arms, legs, testicle or glands.
• U – Unexplained fever lasting more than two weeks, weight loss, fatigue, a pale appearance, easy bruising or bleeding.
• A – Aching bones, joints or back, or easy fractures.
• N – Neurological signs, including changes in walking, balance or speech, regression, persistent headaches with or without vomiting, or an enlarged head.

These symptoms do not always mean cancer. However, symptoms that are unexplained, persistent or worsening should be assessed by a healthcare professional. For guidance, contact the CHOC helpline on 0800 333 555 or visit www.choc.org.za.

Have a Heart: five ways to take action

Throughout September, CHOC invites individuals, schools, businesses, healthcare professionals and communities to:

Learn the Signs: know the SILUAN Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer and share them with others.

Listen to Their Stories: make space for the voices and experiences of children, teenagers, survivors and families.

Wear Gold: wear the Gold Ribbon to help childhood cancer become visible in homes, schools, workplaces and communities.

Share Hope: use reliable information to start conversations and guide families towards help.

Support Families: donate, partner, volunteer or help fund the practical support that makes treatment journeys more manageable.

CHOC supports children, teenagers and their parents through accommodation close to treatment centres, transport assistance, psychosocial and practical support, educational programmes, awareness and education, and advocacy. These services help families remain close to treatment while navigating the emotional, practical and financial pressures that often accompany a cancer diagnosis. Without these services many children and families would struggle to access or adhere to their treatment. The campaign also supports the World Health Organization’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, which aims to achieve 60% survival for children with cancer worldwide by 2030, while reducing suffering and improving quality of life. This September, having a heart is more than a message. It is a decision to notice, to care and to act.

Have a Heart. Learn the signs. Wear gold. Share hope. Support families.

This Mandela Day, CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa is calling on South Africans to turn their 67 minutes into comfort, care and hope for children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or a life-threatening blood disorder, and their families.

Under the campaign message, “For you, it’s 67 minutes. For them, it’s everything,” CHOC is encouraging individuals, schools, businesses and communities to support families facing childhood cancer through meaningful acts of kindness, practical donations and volunteerism. For many CHOC families, the cancer journey extends far beyond hospital walls. Families often travel long distances for treatment, spend weeks away from home, and face emotional and financial strain while trying to care for their children or teenagers.

“Every family’s journey through childhood cancer is different, but one thing remains the same, no family should have to walk it alone. Mandela Day reminds us that even the smallest act of kindness can bring comfort and relief during an incredibly difficult time. Whether it is a warm meal, safe accommodation, transport to treatment, or essential daily items, these acts of support help families focus on what matters most: their child’s wellbeing and healing,” says Chief Social Worker at CHOC, Lawrence Mbuyane.

This Mandela Day, CHOC is inviting South Africans to help make that journey a little lighter. Supporters can get involved by donating essential items, supporting CHOC House wishlists, volunteering their time, hosting collection drives, or helping raise awareness around childhood cancer and the SILUAN Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer.

“Mandela Day reminds us that even the smallest act of kindness can make a meaningful difference in the life of a child and their family,” said Eugene Subban, Chairman of CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa. “For many of our families, support means more than practical assistance. It means knowing they are seen, cared for and not facing the childhood cancer journey alone.”

Throughout Mandela Month, CHOC regions across South Africa will host various activations, community initiatives and partnership events aimed at mobilising support for children and teenagers affected by childhood cancer. Every meal shared, every donation made, every volunteer hour and every act of support helps create moments of comfort, dignity and hope for CHOC families during incredibly difficult circumstances.

We believe Mandela Day is about coming together as communities and using what we have to make a real difference where it is needed most. Members of the public can support the campaign by:

• Donating wishlist items
• Volunteering their time
• Hosting collection drives
• Making financial contributions to support CHOC programmes and services

To learn more about CHOC’s Mandela Day campaign and how to get involved, visit: CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa

South Africans are encouraged to put their best foot forward for children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer as Flip Flop Day 2026 returns on Friday, 20 February 2026. Led by CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, Flip Flop Day is a national fundraising and awareness campaign inviting individuals, schools and workplaces to purchase a R10 Flip Flop Day sticker and wear their flip flops in solidarity with families affected by childhood cancer.

Flip Flop Day continues to highlight how simple, collective action can translate into meaningful, life-changing support. “This fun campaign carries a serious message, that no family should walk the childhood cancer journey alone,” says Hedley Lewis, CEO of CHOC. “A small action, like purchasing a R10 sticker, enables CHOC to provide practical, emotional and educational support to children, adolescents and their families when they need it most.”

Funds raised through Flip Flop Day enable CHOC to continue delivering vital services, including safe accommodation near treatment centres, transport assistance, psychosocial support and educational programmes that help children and adolescents to continue learning during treatment.

In 2026, Flip Flop Day places a strong emphasis on friendship and shared participation, encouraging people to get involved together, whether as colleagues, classmates, families or communities. The campaign reinforces that even small contributions, when multiplied, can make a powerful difference.

Getting involved is simple:

• Purchase a Flip Flop Day sticker for just R10 from CHOC or Tekkie Town nationwide
• Wear your stickers and flip flops on Friday, 20 February 2026
• Encourage friends, colleagues and communities to join
• Share your photos, tag CHOC, use #FlipFlopDay26 and help spread awareness

Flip Flop Day demonstrates how collective participation directly translates into practical support. When just 20 friends purchase a Flip Flop Day sticker, it can help cover the average monthly transport cost for a child to travel to and from treatment. When 30 friends get involved, it helps fund a CHOC Carebag, which every newly diagnosed child or teenager receives. These Carebags contain essential items such as toiletries, as well as a parent handbook designed to help families understand and prepare for the childhood cancer journey ahead. When 60 people take part, it can cover one night of accommodation for a child or teenager and their caregiver at a CHOC House, providing a safe, hygienic room and meals, free of charge. Together, these small actions show what is possible when a nation comes together with purpose.

The success of Flip Flop Day 2026 is driven by strong, purpose-aligned partnerships. Tekkie Town, the campaign’s retail partner, plays a key role in making participation accessible nationwide through its extensive store footprint. Supporting the efficient distribution of Flip Flop Day materials is The Courier Guy, the campaign’s logistics partner. The Courier Guy helps to ensure that the campaign stock reaches regions, schools and workplaces across South Africa, enabling CHOC to maximise resources towards its core programmes. Known for its colourful and comfortable footwear, Ipanema is our product partner, aligning naturally with the spirit of Flip Flop Day, reinforcing the message that everyday items can become symbols of hope and solidarity. OUTsurance keeps to their promise of ‘you always getting something OUT’ by providing additional support that further strengthens the campaign’s ability to extend its reach and maximise its impact for children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer.

Flip Flop Day continues to show that when South Africans unite with purpose and compassion, every step taken helps ensure that children and adolescents facing cancer are supported every step of the way. For more information or to get involved, visit www.choc.org.za

Media Enquiries

Written by Taryn Seegers for CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa
Contact: Taryn Seegers
Email: flipflopday@choc.org.za or 086 111 3500
Website: www.choc.org.za

A powerful new chapter for childhood haematology-oncology research in South Africa begins today with the launch of the Wits–CMJAH Paeds Haem-Onc Research CoLab supported by CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.

Spearheaded by Professor Jennifer Geel, Head of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and academic head of division, Wits Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, and made possible through the collaboration of CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa and generous donors Adcock Ingram and The Kinvest Trust, the centre will serve as a hub for groundbreaking research, data collection, and clinical collaboration aimed at improving outcomes for children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer and life-threatening blood disorders. the research team will focus on studies across priority diagnoses, including Hodgkin lymphoma, retinoblastoma, Burkitt lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, low grade glioma and nephroblastoma. these are the focus cancers identified by the who global initiative for childhood cancer as highly curable with available resources, constituting 60% of the cancers treated by this unit. In addition, there will be a focus on severe aplastic anaemia and stem cell transplantation.

The establishment of this centre also signals a powerful moment of renewal for Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. In the years following the devastating fire that disrupted services across the facility, this new Research Centre stands as a testament to what collaboration and collective resolve can rebuild, not just infrastructure, but confidence in the future of paediatric care. It reflects the hospital’s unwavering commitment to rise stronger, innovate faster, and ensure that every child and teenager has access to world-class research and treatment closer to home.

“This centre represents the bridge between research and real lives,” said Hedley Lewis, CEO of CHOC. “It’s a space where science meets compassion, ensuring that the children, teenagers, and families we serve today will benefit from tomorrow’s discoveries.”

Beyond being a physical space, the centre will drive impact through four key focus areas:
• Enhancing clinical research in paediatric haematology-oncology.
• Fostering data-driven innovation through partnerships with universities and international research bodies.
• Encouraging multi-disciplinary collaboration among oncologists, psychosocial teams and public health experts.
• Building and mentoring the next generation of paediatric haematology-oncology researchers.

Professor Jennifer Geel shares her vision of the centre:  We aim to consolidate the excellent research performed in this unit and take it to new heights by collaborating with local and international partners, focusing on locally relevant projects that impact directly on the lives of the children, adolescents and family that we serve. 

The launch event brought together representatives from the Department of Health, CHOC, the academic and research community, and corporate donors, all unified by a single goal, to give hope a stronger foundation through locally driven research and innovation.

For CHOC, this milestone reaffirms its legacy of holistic care, extending its support beyond psychosocial and practical services to now include research that will transform the future of paediatric haematology-oncology in South Africa and across the continent.

For Media Queries, please contact:
Written together by Prof Geel and CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa
Date Released: December 2025
Written by: Taryn Seegers
Further information:
www.choc.org.za

Contact
086 111 3500 or bdu@choc.org.za

How a group of cyclists and a community of caregivers continue to turn grief into light.

At CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA, hope takes many forms, a ride, a hug, a shared meal, or the quiet courage to keep going. This November, as CHOC reflects on remembrance, legacy, and healing, stories intertwine: The CHOC Cows and CHOC’s Emotional Support Programme. Together, they remind us that while grief takes courage, no one should walk that road alone.

The CHOC Cows: From Heartbreak to Hope

In 2008, eight passionate cyclists joined Kerrin and Grant Bain to honour their daughter Jessica, raising R230,000 for CHOC in their first ride. What began as a simple gesture of love grew into The CHOC Cows, a national movement that has since raised tens of millions to support children, teenagers and families facing childhood cancer.

Seventeen years later, The CHOC Cows continue to embody CHOC’s mission of courage and compassion. Their signature cow print, born from a light-hearted beginning, has become a symbol of community, remembrance, and unwavering spirit.

“The Cows remind us that even the deepest grief can become a force for good,” says Hedley Lewis, CEO of CHOC. “They’ve transformed heartache into hope for thousands of families across South Africa.”

Behind every diagnosis lies a family forever changed. CHOC’s Emotional Support Programme provides counselling, bereavement care, remembrance events, and community healing spaces for families who have lost a child or teen to cancer.

Through this programme, CHOC’s psychosocial team helps families navigate grief with dignity, compassion, and ongoing support, ensuring that no parent ever feels alone in their journey.

“Our role doesn’t end when treatment does,” says Antonella Swanepoel, CHOC’s Business Development Unit Manager. “We walk alongside families through every chapter, from diagnosis to healing, helping them rebuild through love and connection.”

As CHOC honours The Cows and every family touched by childhood cancer, the message is clear: hope doesn’t end, it evolves.

Throughout November, CHOC holds Remembrance Services across the country to honour the children and teenagers whose light continues to guide us. Families, friends, and supporters are also invited to purchase a CHOC Candle and light it in memory of a loved one, a small act of reflection that keeps hope burning bright.

“Every flame represents a name, a life, and a legacy,” says Lawrence Mbanyane – Psychosocial Support Services Manager. “When we light a candle, we remind each other that love lives on and that no one carries grief alone.”

This November, CHOC invites South Africans to remember, reflect, and give hope to others.

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT

To: Editors & Health Journalists

Issued by: Department of Health

Date: 05 September 2025

Department and stakeholders call for collective support for children and teenagers living with cancer.

Pretoria: The Department of Health, in collaboration with the South African Association of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (SAAPHO), the National Cancer Registry (NCR), CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC), and the World Health Organization (WHO), invites South Africans to come together in support of children, adolescents, and their families affected by childhood cancer during September’s International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Childhood cancer, while often seen as rare, is a major health issue and one of the top causes of disease-related deaths among children worldwide. The WHO reports approximately 400,000 new cases annually, with around 1,000 of these cases occurring in South Africa. Locally, leukaemia is the most frequently diagnosed childhood cancer, according to the National Cancer Registry.

September, globally recognised as Gold September, is focused on raising awareness of childhood cancer. The gold ribbon has become an international symbol of strength, resilience, and hope. Behind each ribbon lies a personal story, whether of a child, a teenager, a family, a survivor, or a health worker. As this year’s campaign reminds us: Every Ribbon Holds a Name. Every Name Holds a Story. The Department and its partners ask, “Who are you wearing your ribbon for this September?”

Raising awareness and promoting early detection are critical in improving survival rates and ensuring better treatment outcomes. Too many children and teenagers are either not diagnosed or are diagnosed too late. The Department urges all citizens to become familiar with the SILUAN Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer, and to seek medical attention if any signs are observed. Timely referral to specialised care can save lives.

As part of its ongoing commitment, South Africa supports the WHO’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC), which aims to raise survival rates by 2030. Encouragingly, the national survival rate in South Africa has improved to approximately 60%, but it still lags behind countries where rates exceed 80%.

Families affected by childhood cancer face immense psychological, emotional, financial, and logistical challenges. Many experience strain due to travel distances to treatment centres, lack of nearby accommodation, out-of-pocket expenses, and disruptions to family life. The burden is shared not only by patients, but also by parents, siblings, and caregivers. As reflected in the global campaign #WeAllLiveIt, when a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family embarks on the journey together.

The Department of Health, NCR, CHOC, SAAPHO, and WHO commend the dedication of healthcare professionals, support organisations, and members of the public who offer vital care and compassion to children with cancer. The NCR remains committed to ensuring

accurate data collection and analysis to inform decision-making and improve outcomes.

According to Mr Hedley Lewis, CEO of CHOC: “Every ribbon is a reminder that no child or teenager should face cancer alone. At CHOC, we believe in the power of collaboration, and along with the global campaign, CHOC is Inspired to Act. When communities, healthcare professionals, and organisations come together, we can change outcomes.”

Professor Gita Naidu, Chair of SAAPHO and Head of Paediatric Oncology at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, reiterated this point: “Families are torn apart by a diagnosis of childhood cancer. The emotional toll, financial hardship, and psychological strain can be overwhelming. We urge all sectors of society to rally behind these families with ongoing support.”

The WHO country representative for South Africa, Ms Shenaaz El-Halabi, reckons that “behind every childhood cancer diagnosis is a child with dreams, a family filled with hope, and a community that can make a difference. Far too many children are diagnosed too late, and far too many families walk this journey without enough support. That is why WHO is proud to stand alongside the Department of Health and CHOC – because when we act together, we can change the story of childhood cancer from one of despair to one of survival, resilience, and hope”

In honour of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, all sectors; public, private, community, and individuals, are encouraged to wear the gold ribbon and help raise awareness. Let us remember the names, share the stories, and commit to ensuring that no child faces cancer alone.

For more information and media enquiries, please contact:

Mr Foster Mohale
Department of Health Spokesperson
072 432 3792
Foster.mohale@health.gov.za

Mr Hedley Lewis
CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa
082 944 7655
Hedley.lewis@choc.org.za

Who Are You Wearing your ribbon For This September?

Each September, CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA joins the global community in honouring International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to remember, reflect, and rally in support of children and teenagers who have been diagnosed with cancer, as well as their families and support networks.

The Gold Ribbon, a symbol of hope and strength, is more than just a pin. Every ribbon holds a name. Every name holds a story. Behind each ribbon is a child, teenager, a parent, a family, a survivor, or someone who has cared for them. We ask: Who are you wearing it for?

Childhood Cancer in South Africa is a reality and remains one of the leading causes of disease-related deaths in children worldwide. In South Africa, although rare, it is the second most common cause of death in children aged 5 to 14, following accidents. Encouragingly, the national survival rate has improved to around 60%, yet it still lags behind developed countries where survival rates exceed 80%.

Too many children or teenagers are never diagnosed or are diagnosed too late. Early detection saves lives. Recognising the SILUAN Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer is critical to improving treatment outcomes and giving every child or teenager hope.

“Every ribbon is a reminder that no child, teenager or their family should face cancer alone. At CHOC, we believe in the power of collaboration, when communities, healthcare professionals, and organisations come together, we can change the outcome.,” says CHOC CEO Hedley Lewis. “This September, I invite everyone to join us in honouring the stories behind every name, recognising the early warning signs, and building a future where more children and teenagers survive and thrive.”

CHOC proudly stands alongside CCI and SIOP in supporting the global campaign #WeAllLiveIt a powerful reminder that when a child or teen is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family lives the journey. Parents, siblings, grandparents, and loved ones play an essential, often unseen role in a child’s healing. This campaign invites families, survivors, and communities to share their lived experiences. Together, we amplify the voices of those walking this path, not just the children, but everyone around them. Join the movement by sharing your story on social media with the hashtag #WeAllLiveIt.

CHOC  stands besides families every step of the way, offering  life-saving awareness, early detection education, and comprehensive support services.  These include accommodation near treatment centres, transport, psychosocial support, and counselling for families navigating the most difficult journeys.

We are calling on you, families, communities, schools, businesses, and health professionals, to wear the Gold Ribbon this September. Raise awareness. Start conversations. Share stories.

Get Involved:

• Wear your Gold Ribbon throughout September.
• Share a name and message in honour of someone affected by childhood cancer. Your tribute will appear on CHOC’s website.
• Visit CHOC’s website to learn the SILUAN Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer.
• Donate to CHOC your support helps fund early diagnosis efforts, emotional and psychosocial support for families, accommodation near treatment centres, transport, and more.

Let your voice be part of a movement that’s bigger than all of us. Who are you wearing your ribbon for?
A survivor. A newly diagnosed teenager. A loved one. A child who never got the chance.

Let’s raise our voices, and wear our ribbons.

Cape Town – Two organisations in the non-profit sector, the Kolisi Foundation and CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA, are excited to announce a meaningful collaboration to raise funds and awareness for the vital work both organisations do in South African communities.

On Saturday, 23 August 2025, the Kolisi Foundation and CHOC will host a vibrant Cyclethon fundraiser at Canal Walk Shopping Centre’s Centre Court. This high-energy event invites members of the public, corporates, and community groups to cycle for a cause – with every spin making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families across South Africa.

Lauren Budde, Partnerships Manager at the Kolisi Foundation, shared:
“Activations like this truly mean a great deal to us. It paves the way for collaborative fundraising efforts, where resources are pooled and shared in a meaningful and impactful way. It’s incredibly inspiring to see support from both civil society and the corporate sector come together to back this event – it’s partnerships like these that power change.”

The Cyclethon is proudly supported by headline sponsor Bidfood, whose generous commitment to this event highlight the value of purpose-led corporate partnerships. Virgin Active has also come on board, providing vital support on the day to help make the Cyclethon an unforgettable experience for all participants.

“As a brand rooted in social wellness, we believe movement has the power to connect, uplift and transform lives. Supporting the CHOC and Kolisi Foundation Cyclethon is not only a way for us to give back, but to stand alongside communities driving real impact. It’s a privilege to help turn purpose into action, through the simple yet powerful act of moving together.” – Derick Du Preez, Chief Operating Officer of Virgin Active South Africa

Sivaan Marie, Human Capital and Transformation Director for Bidfood South Africa shares: “We count ourselves privileged to be in a position to partner with CHOC for this year’s Cape Town and Johannesburg Cyclethons. We eagerly anticipate sharing these Cyclethon experiences with our customers, the Bidfood family, and friends of both Bidfood and CHOC.”

As two organisations deeply embedded in community upliftment and support, this partnership is a celebration of what is possible when we come together.

CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA has been a lifeline to families affected by childhood cancer and life-threatening blood disorders since 1979. From emotional support in hospital wards to transport, nutrition, and accommodation services – CHOC walks the long road with families, especially those from low-income communities who often travel far for treatment that can last over three years.

The Kolisi Foundation, founded by Siya and Rachel Kolisi, exists to change the stories of inequality by supporting and strengthening local organisations that are already doing the work. Their focus areas are education and sport, food security, and gender-based violence – with programmes rooted in Cape Town and Gqeberha.

Hedley Lewis, CHOC CEO has said: “This is more than just an event — it’s a movement of awareness and action. An hour on a bike might challenge you, but it’s nothing compared to the strength children show every day as they fight cancer. This year, we are incredibly proud to join forces with The Kolisi Foundation, a prestigious organisation whose values of dignity, care, and community resonate deeply with our mission”.

The Cyclethon will feature multiple spinning sessions throughout the morning. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or a beginner, you’re invited to book a seat, bring the energy, and cycle with purpose.

Event Details:
Date: 23 August 2025 8:00 – 13:00 pm
Venue: Centre Court, Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Cape Town
Book Your Seat: https://choc.org.za/events/

Bringing Kids Home for the Holidays: “Home Sweet Holiday” Campaign Launches to Reunite Children and teenagers with Their Families

This holiday season, CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA is on a heartwarming mission to make these holiday as memorable as possible for children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders. Through the “Home Sweet Holiday” campaign, we’re raising funds to send our beneficiaries home to celebrate with their families—and safely return them to continue life-saving treatments.

“The holidays are meant for togetherness,” said Hedley Lewis, CEO of CHOC, “We believe every child and teen deserves that joy, especially those facing tough medical challenges. ‘Home Sweet Holiday’ is all about making that happen.”

The campaign aims to cover travel expenses for families who otherwise could not afford to reunite for the holidays. In the past financial year alone, CHOC provided 33,832 bed-night services to families in need. There are 77 rooms in our houses, that are situated nationwide, and we are able to accommodate 200 people per night, in addition, our transport assistance programme, with 1,450 disbursements this past year, ensures that no child misses their treatment because of distance or financial constraints.  All our programs are focused to ensure that every child or teenager diagnosed with cancer, or a life-threatening blood disorder can access and continue their treatment.

How you can help to send a child home these holidays:

• Donate: Every contribution—big or small—helps cover the cost of safe travel home and back to the hospital.
• Spread the Joy: Share the campaign across social media and with friends to help us reach more hearts.
• Host a Fundraiser: From bake sales to holiday runs and virtual events, community fundraisers can make a huge impact.
• Corporate Partners: Companies are encouraged to join the cause by sponsoring travel costs, offering donation matching, or supporting the campaign in creative ways.

 

The impact goes far beyond a taxi, car or bus ride. It means laughter around the dinner table, bedtime stories, family traditions, and healing through togetherness—all while ensuring children can continue receiving the critical care they need.

“We can’t change their diagnosis, but we can give them the priceless gift of home and family this season,” added Hedley Lewis. “And that’s magic worth sharing.”

Join us in giving the gift of home this holiday season!

To donate or learn more, visit www.choc.org.za or follow CHOC on all Social Media Platforms.