As winter wraps around us, we’re reminded that warmth doesn’t just come from the sun, it comes from community, connection, and compassion. At CHOC, that warmth is made possible by you, our dedicated supporters, families, and friends who walk alongside us every step of the way.

In this edition of CHOC Connect, we’re excited to share stories of courage, Mandela Day highlights, upcoming events, and ways to get involved. We are also proud to introduce the launch of the CHOC Hope Network, a growing circle of influencers, survivors, volunteers, and professionals committed to supporting CHOC. Together, we are creating a network of hope, and there’s a place in it for everyone.

Thank you for being part of our mission, our story, and our family.

The Heart Behind the Healing

At CHOC, one of our core services is the psychosocial support offered by our dedicated Social Workers, who work hand-in-hand with the medical team to provide holistic care to families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis. These social workers don’t just do a job; they become trusted allies, compassionate listeners, and provide a safe haven during the most difficult moments.

In Bloemfontein, we are incredibly fortunate to have Mamoriting Mtonxa, who has been part of the CHOC Free State team for over ten years. Her gentle strength and deep understanding of the emotional needs of children and their families have made a lasting impact.

A few weeks ago, the unimaginable happened. Two children passed away, just a day apart. The grief was overwhelming. Not only did two families lose their precious children, but their young ward friends lost two little companions. This was when Mamoriting’s presence became even more vital. With grace, empathy, and quiet strength, she supported the families and children through this heartbreaking time.

A week later, during a routine visit to the ward, we witnessed something incredibly moving; laughter, gentle, healing laughter all coming from Mamoriting’s office. Children were playing, talking and beginning to process their grief. It had become their sanctuary, the space where they felt safe, heard, and comforted.

This story reminds us that sometimes, healing begins with a safe space and a trusted friend.

Sonet van Zyl,
Regional Manager Free State/Kalahari

Mandela Day

67 Minutes of Making an Impact

Because of YOU, Mandela Day was more than a moment. Thank you to every donor, every partner, and every person who gave 67 minutes of action, love, and purpose.

Together, we honour Madiba’s legacy by standing with children and families when they need it most.

Awareness Training in Limpopo

Training Champions, Saving Lives

In July, the Limpopo Department of Health made a significant leap forward in childhood cancer awareness by officially integrating the SILUAN Early Warning Signs (EWS) of Childhood Cancer into the province’s training programmes for Professional Nurses and Doctors. This milestone was achieved in partnership with the NGO The Tree of Life, which collaborated with CHOC to facilitate the first training session for IMCI Professional Nurses across all five District Municipalities in Limpopo.

These newly trained nurses join a network of nearly 100 paediatric oncology champions already established in the province. In the same month, 35 IMCI Nurses underwent CHOC’s Toolkit 2 training, equipping them with the knowledge and community-based tools necessary to raise awareness of EWS and early detection.

The training was opened by Dr. Vutshilo Netshituni, Head of Paediatric Oncology at Polokwane Academic Hospital, who asked participants to remain alert in their clinical practice and maintain a high index of suspicion when examining young patients. District Coordinators collaborated closely with CHOC during the session to develop a clear and sustainable roll-out plan, ensuring continuous sharing of information in their communities.

CHOC’s dedicated Community Trainers continued their outreach efforts throughout July, with education on EWS within their communities. In July, IMCI Nurses and Child Minders in Gauteng, in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Health and the Catholic Health Care Association were also trained.

Together, these efforts demonstrate a strong commitment to raising awareness, promoting earlier diagnosis, and improving outcomes for children across South Africa.

Introducing the CHOC Hope Network

A Community of Courage, Connection, and Care

We are proud to officially launch the CHOC Hope Network, a group of passionate individuals who have joined us in becoming voices of hope, courage, and compassion for children and teens facing cancer and life-threatening blood disorders in South Africa. We appreciate each of you so much!

We held our very first CHOC HOPE Network gathering at our CHOC House in Diepkloof, followed by a visit to the Paediatric Oncology Unit at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. It was an incredibly moving day filled with authentic conversations, powerful moments, and a shared sense of purpose.

Unlike traditional ambassador programmes, the HOPE Network is not about follower counts or public profiles; it is about real people, doing meaningful work, and using their voices to help shine a light on the stories that matter most.

This is just the beginning. We’re excited to grow the CHOC Hope Network into a vibrant, values-driven community that helps carry our mission forward in bold, compassionate, and creative ways.

If you’ve been touched by childhood cancer, as a parent, survivor, or supporter, we invite you to join us. By being part of the Hope Network, you can help others navigate, heal, and find strength through connection.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we are the Hope Network.

Interested in joining or learning more? Contact us here.

Be a Childhood Cancer Hero

Make a Real Difference Today!

At CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, your monthly contribution brings hope, care, and vital support to children and teens diagnosed with cancer.

Every rand makes a difference:

• R200/Month sponsors local transport for hospital visits.
• R300/Month provides a CHOC Carebag for a newly diagnosed young child.
• R400/Month sponsors a CHOC Carebag for a newly diagnosed teen.
• R600/Month gives a child or teen and caregiver a safe place to stay during treatment.
• R650/Month delivers a food parcel to a desperate family in need.

Your generosity helps us keep more than hope alive.

Our Impact

2024 – 2025 Financial Year

It’s Tax Season!

Did you know that donating to CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA isn’t just kind—it’s tax-smart too?

With a Section 18A Certificate, your donations are tax-deductible.
Qualifying donations include:

• Cash donations
• Payroll giving
• Property in kind (e.g., food, medical supplies)

Don’t wait, donate, then complete the 18A request form and email your proof to bdu@choc.org.za.

Help kids and teens diagnosed with cancer or a life-threatening blood disorder AND get tax relief this season!

Leading with Vision and Purpose

Hedley Lewis Recognised Among The CIO Times’ Top Five CEOs to Watch in 2025

We are proud to share that our CEO, Hedley Lewis, has been recognised by The CIO Times in their feature Visionary Minds: Top Five CEOs to Watch in 2025.

This honour reflects not only Hedley’s leadership, vision, and tireless advocacy for children with cancer, but also the dedication of the entire CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA team, our volunteers, partners, and supporters.

Hedley’s journey from the corporate world to leading CHOC has been driven by a clear purpose, to ensure that no child or teenager faces this journey alone. Under his leadership, CHOC has strengthened international partnerships, expanded support services for families, leveraged technology to improve care, and amplified the voices of patients, parents, and survivors.

As Hedley often says: “Borders should not be a fence but an entrance to greater survivorship of children with childhood cancer.”

We are inspired daily by his commitment to collaboration and innovation in the journey of childhood cancer that the families face. This recognition belongs to every person who walks alongside us including our staff, donors, partners, and the incredible children, teenagers and families we serve.

Read the full article here.

Together, we are making a difference!

International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

This September, CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA joins the global community in recognising International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honour the children and teenagers who have been diagnosed with cancer, celebrate the survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and stand alongside the families and caregivers who live this journey every day.

This year, our campaign theme is: Every Ribbon Holds a Name. Every Name Holds a Story.
Behind every gold ribbon lies a story of courage, heartbreak, resilience, and love. We invite you to wear your ribbon with purpose—and ask yourself: Who are you wearing it for?

Join us as we raise awareness, share stories, promote early detection, and offer support to families across the country.

Together, we can change the future of childhood cancer, one ribbon, one name, one story at a time.

For more details, contact us here.

New Merchandise Available

Our latest CHOC merch has just dropped, and it’s packed with love, purpose, and a touch of magic.

Every purchase helps bring smiles, support, and hope to children and teens diagnosed with cancer or a life-threatening blood disorder!

Click here to visit our online store!

Join us at one of our upcoming events: