Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month | September 2026

September is International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on childhood cancer and stand alongside the children, teenagers and families whose lives are affected by it.

This September, CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA called on South Africans to Have a Heart.

To learn the signs.
To listen to the stories behind every diagnosis.
To wear gold ribbons.
And to take action to support children, teenagers, and their families.

Throughout the month, CHOC teams, schools, businesses, communities and supporters came together to raise awareness and help ensure that childhood cancer is seen, understood and spoken about.

Because behind every diagnosis is a child or teen. And behind every child or teen is a family who needs support.

Know the Signs

One of the most important things we can do for our children is learn the possible warning signs of childhood cancer.

During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, CHOC continued sharing the SILUAN Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer with schools, communities and organisations.

Parents, caregivers, teachers and members of the community all have an important role to play in recognising when something may not be right.

If you notice a persistent or unusual change in a child’s health, speak to a healthcare professional and seek advice.

Learn the signs. Notice the changes. Take action.

Raising awareness can help families seek medical attention and support as early as possible.

September in Motion

September was a month of connection, conversation and showing up for childhood cancer awareness.

Across our communities, CHOC supporters helped bring the message to life in different ways, from awareness presentations and school engagements to Go Gold activities, gold ribbons, workplace initiatives and community moments.

Businesses, schools, organisations and individuals opened their doors, shared information, wore gold and helped start conversations about the realities of childhood cancer and the importance of supporting families throughout their journey. These moments may have looked different, but they all carried the same message: awareness matters, early detection matters, and no child or family should have to face childhood cancer alone.

As we look back on September, we celebrate every person who helped make childhood cancer more visible. Every conversation started, every gold ribbon worn, every story shared, and every hand extended in support helped carry the message further.

Together, we are creating greater awareness, encouraging earlier action and reminding children and families that they are not alone.

Immortals CHOC Run 2026

On 29 August 2026, the roar of more than 300 motorcycles filled Bloemfontein as bikers from across South Africa and Namibia came together for the annual Immortals CHOC Run. The event brought the biker community together to raise awareness of childhood cancer and show support for children and families affected by the disease. The ride began at Universitas Hospital, a treatment centre for children with cancer in the Free State. Children had the opportunity to meet and interact with the bikers, creating moments filled with smiles, laughter and memories. From the hospital, the riders made their way to The Barn for the day’s celebrations. Together, the riders and supporters raised an incredible R70,000 for CHOC Free State, helping CHOC continue providing vital care and support to children and families. A heartfelt thank you to every club, rider, volunteer, supporter and sponsor who helped make the day possible. Together, we ride for hope. Together, we stand with our children. Together, we keep more than hope alive.

Your Platform. Our Message. A Shared Purpose.

Awareness only goes as far as the message can travel. This September, we are incredibly grateful to the advertising companies and media partners who generously supported CHOC by giving our Have a Heart campaign a platform.

Through donated advertising space, billboards and other awareness opportunities, these partners helped us take the message beyond our own channels and into the spaces where people live, work and travel.

Their support helped more people see the gold, learn about childhood cancer and understand the importance of standing alongside children, teenagers and their families.

“The CHOC Girl”

For Nastassja Kean, her journey with CHOC started long before she became known as “The CHOC Girl”. At just five years old, Nastassja was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). CHOC supported her and her family through that difficult time. Years later, she found her own way to give back.
It started with a race car her parents gave her. Nastassja found sponsorship to have the car wrapped for CHOC and created stickers so that other racers could join her in showing their support. What started with one car soon became a much bigger movement. Race days became opportunities to raise awareness and funds. Children were invited to meet the racing community. Merchandise, raffles and fundraising activities helped generate support, while radio appearances and the mysterious Udder Stig added to the fun.
Before long, Nastassja had become known as “The CHOC Girl”. For her, giving back was about more than fundraising. It was personal. As she grew older, she continued looking for ways to use her story to create awareness and encourage others to stand with children affected by cancer. Today, Nastassja encourages businesses, communities, landmarks and organisations to Go Gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness. The race car may be gone. But the CHOC Girl isn’t. The method has changed. The mission hasn’t.

Your Support In Action

Behind every child, teenager and family supported by CHOC is a network of people who choose to make a difference.

Our 2025/2026 Impact Report reflects what was achieved during the financial year from July 2025 to June 2026 and shows how the support of donors, partners, volunteers and communities helped CHOC continue its work with children, teenagers and their families.

From practical support to psychosocial care, accommodation and transport, every contribution plays a role in helping families navigate the childhood cancer journey.

A year of impact…

Behind every number is a child, a family, a social worker, a volunteer, a donor or a supporter who forms part of the CHOC journey.

Thank you for helping us keep more than hope alive.

Without this support, CHOC would not be able to continue with our programmes that assist children and teenagers with cancer and their families with critical services such as counselling, accommodation, transport and day-to-day care during treatment.

CHOC Hero

When a child or teenager is diagnosed with cancer, families need more than medical treatment. They need someone who will listen, guide them, encourage them and walk alongside them through the journey. For families at George Mukhari Academic Hospital, CHOC social worker Palesa Raleting has become that person. Portia Makwela, whose daughter Khumo was diagnosed with cancer in May 2025, recently shared a heartfelt message of appreciation for the support Palesa provided during their journey. In Portia’s own words, “Palesa has been a true pillar of strength for me and my family during this very difficult journey. Her kindness, patience, encouragement, and constant willingness to listen and guide us has given us so much comfort and hope. She goes above and beyond for families in the ward, and we are truly blessed to have her support.” Her words offer a glimpse into the difference that CHOC’s social workers make every day, often in moments when families need support the most. “Your work truly changes lives.” To Palesa, and to the dedicated CHOC social workers who continue to stand alongside children and families every day, thank you for being there, for listening, for caring and for reminding families that they are not alone.

Upcoming Happenings

Discovery Vitality MOOOOVE To Give

CHOC and Discovery Vitality MoveToGive have partnered to help provide transport, a place to stay and learning support to children and teenagers affected by cancer or a life-threatening blood disorder.

How can you help?
From 28 September until 2 November 2026, you can donate your Discovery Miles to CHOC through the Vitality MoveToGive initiative.

• For 200 Discovery Miles, you can help CHOC provide a home-away-from-home to keep families together while a child receives treatment.
• For 500 Discovery Miles, you can help CHOC provide transport for children and their caregivers to and from life-saving cancer treatment.
• For 1 500 Discovery Miles, you can support a month of learning and educational support during treatment.

Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer 2026

The countdown is on for the 2026 Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer presented by Isuzu Motors South Africa, taking place on 31 October 2026. This year, funds raised will support both the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa and CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA.

For CHOC, funds will help secure a double-cab bakkie to enable the Eastern Cape team to reach children, teenagers and families affected by cancer and life-threatening blood disorders in remote communities. The vehicle will also support awareness and education initiatives aimed at promoting the SILUAN Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer and connect children, teenagers and families with support sooner.

There will be starting points in George, Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City, as well as a virtual participation option. Entry costs R80 per person. The first 10 000 entrants will receive an iconic pink T-shirt and a pink temporary Big Walk tattoo.

As CHOC Eastern Cape Regional Manager Juliet Houghton shared:

“Every person who takes part in the Big Walk helps CHOC extend its reach and keep more than hope alive for families across the Eastern Cape.”

Sybrand Park 5km Fun Run

Join CHOC for the Sybrand Park 5km Fun Run on Saturday, 28 November 2026, as we bring families, friends and the community together for a morning of fun, fitness and purpose! Whether you choose to run, walk or simply move for hope, your participation will help raise awareness and show support for children and teenagers affected by cancer and their families. Taking place at Prieska Road Park, Sybrand Park, Cape Town, the event kicks off at 08h00, with goodie bags, prizes and plenty of community spirit to look forward to! Entry fees: R120 per adult | R60 for children under 18. Come along, bring your loved ones and help us keep more than hope alive, one step at a time!

Flip Flop Day 2027

It’s never too early to get excited about Flip Flop Day!

Join CHOC on Friday, 19 February 2027 as we bring South Africans together for another day of fun, awareness and support for children and teenagers affected by cancer.

Save the date. More details coming soon!