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April
2025

The Courage of a Child

The Colourful Recovery Journey of a 9-Year-Old with Cancer

Sipho* is a 9-year-old boy from a semi-rural area, full of energy and closely bonded with his mother. Diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, he was aware of his condition from the start. But when he was first admitted to the ward, he was quiet, frightened, and withdrawn—especially fearful of the frequent pokes and needles.

In those early days, he used drawing to express what words couldn’t. He coloured painful body parts in red and told the social worker his “heart was in pain.” Despite this fear, he bravely shared how the treatment was helping him feel better. One day, he drew a drip on his left arm—acknowledging the pain—but also depicted himself smiling in colourful hospital clothes, celebrating his progress after chemotherapy.

As his treatment went on,  Sipho* noticed and accepted the physical changes: his fingers darkened, and his hair began to fall out.

He chose to keep his head hairless, saying it made him feel more in control.

 

While he missed interacting with his friends, he was supported by his mother, family, and the hospital staff. Interestingly, during emotional moments, he preferred to talk to the social worker alone, feeling more at ease opening up without his mom around.

 

A key tool in his emotional journey was the use of a shadow buddy doll, which helped him ask questions, understand his illness, and process each step of treatment with courage. As he regained strength and confidence, he no longer feared procedures and became comfortable in the hospital setting.

Now, he is cancer-free, only visiting for reviews, and has returned to school as a thriving, happy child. His creativity, resilience, and trust in his care team played a powerful role in his healing.

*Names have been changed

Empowering Communities with Knowledge


Over 250 Health Professionals Trained in April


The demand for knowledge about the Siluan Early Warning Signs (EWS) of Childhood Cancer continues to grow, thanks to renewed interest from Regional Training Centres, community radio stations, and NGOs working within local communities.

A Surge in Training & New Opportunities

During the first week in April more than 120 professional nurses were trained in the eThekwini District.

 

Our training efforts also reached a local hospice and two child welfare organizations. We were also introduced to 103 additional child welfare organizations in the district, which we hope to train in the near future. Furthermore professional nurses in Ekurhuleni and the City of Johannesburg received training in April.

We also recently gave a talk on AlexFM, one of the largest community radio stations north of Johannesburg, reaching over 350,000 listeners. Due to the strong interest generated, we’ve been invited back to speak about the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) for Childhood Cancer. Additionally, professional nurses in Ekurhuleni and the City of Johannesburg received training in April.

Free State: Accredited Doctor Training Goes Virtual

Prof. Poole delivered a CPD-accredited Zoom session to 29 doctors in the Thabo Mofutsanyane District. The session was organized by Dr. Marie Botes, Head of Paediatrics in the district. Additionally, the Regional Training Centre has confirmed upcoming nurse training sessions for May.


Flip Flop Day 2025


What a step forward

A Flip’n huge THANK YOU to every school, corporate, and individual who stood tall (and barefoot!) on Flip Flop Day in support of children and teens diagnosed with cancer or a life-threatening blood disorder.

Because of your incredible generosity, we raised over R1.5 million — a step that will make a real difference in the lives of brave young fighters across South Africa. 

We are deeply grateful to our amazing partners who helped make this day a national success Tekkie Town, Ipanema and The Courier Guy

From colourful soles to open hearts, you turned a fun day into a powerful act of kindness.
 
And to Our Schools… Get Ready!

To all the schools who joined the fun, got creative, and helped spread the spirit of Flip Flop Day — we see you!

We’ll be announcing the winners of our Flip Flop Day Schools Competition very soon. Keep an eye on your inbox for a special mailer — and maybe even your school’s name in lights!
 

Driven by Compassion

Honouring Our CHOC Transport and House Teams Nationwide


Across South Africa, CHOC drivers and house staff are more than just team members — they are daily companions on a difficult journey. Whether navigating busy roads or preparing warm meals, their presence brings comfort, safety, and dignity to the families we serve.

A Word from our Western Cape Region: Mohau Pahlo

“I am honoured and humbled by the request to provide input as a CHOC Western Cape driver. Let me first appreciate the opportunity CHOC gave me, as we all understand the statistics of unemployment in our country; therefore, my thankfulness will continue as an employee of CHOC.

Since August 2022, I’ve realised that there was a vacuum to fill in my life purpose.

Fortunately, I was blessed to see the other side of cancer as a disease. It humbled me to witness CHOC’s efforts in bringing hope to families. As I drive them every day, I’ve learned so much about compassion.

CHOC is truly bringing light in the darkest of times. I’m proud to be part of this winning team.”

 

Centurion
Care Beyond the Drive

In Gauteng, Samson and Mahlatse  (pictured below) represent the powerful teamwork behind our daily support services.
 
With Samson, it’s never just about transport. His calm presence, quiet strength, and genuine compassion turn each hospital trip into something more — a moment of peace, a shared story, a bit of hope on wheels.
 
At the CHOC House in Centurion, Mahlatse ensures that the home feels like a warm and welcoming haven. Her lovingly prepared meals and clean, welcoming spaces embrace families after long, emotional hospital visits — offering both physical and emotional nourishment.

Whether it’s navigating rural roads before sunrise to ensure children make it to treatment, preparing early breakfasts for families facing long hospital days, or maintaining a welcoming, clean, and comforting space at the CHOC Houses — these everyday heroes bring light, warmth, and stability to the CHOC journey. 

They are the hands and hearts that connect our mission across provinces, making each day a little easier for the families we serve.

To all our drivers and house staff across the country, thank you for being the steady force behind every safe arrival, every comforting word, and every welcoming smile.

Your Support Brings Hope!

Your contributions directly support children and teenagers facing childhood cancer or life-threatening blood disorders. Thanks to your generosity, they receive not only comprehensive medical care, but also emotional support, transportation, accommodation, and practical help during their treatment journey.

Every donation — no matter the size — brings comfort, hope, and strength to these brave young fighters and their families.

A Note for Tax Season

As we approach tax season, we’d like to remind our generous supporters that monthly donations to CHOC are eligible for a Section 18A tax deduction.

To request your Section 18A certificate, download the appropriate request form:
Individual
Corporate donors

Complete and return it to donations@choc.org.za. Thank you for walking this journey with us. Because of you, no child, teenager or family walks it alone.

CHOC and The World Health Organization

United for Children with Cancer

As we celebrate another year of meaningful partnership, we reflect on the critical work CHOC and the World Health Organization (WHO) continue to do together for childhood cancer.

About the World Health Organization (WHO)

The WHO is a global leader in public health, committed to improving health and well-being for all. In 2025, the WHO is focusing on several vital areas through its General Programme of Work 2025–2028, including:

 

  • Maternal and newborn health,
  • Universal health coverage,
  • Pandemic preparedness, and
  • Climate-resilient health systems and low-carbon healthcare societies.

 

Amid these global priorities, the WHO’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) remains a cornerstone of its work in child health, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Uniting for Hope and Survival

Together with WHO, CHOC works to:

  • Improve survival rates and reduce suffering for children with cancer,
  • Raise awareness about early detection and treatment access,
  • Advocate for stronger health policy and resource allocation, and
  • Partner with schools, clinics, and communities to educate the public about childhood cancer.

As WHO leads global efforts to create healthier, more resilient health systems, CHOC continues to ensure that no child facing cancer is left behind in South Africa.

Join Us on the Journey

Upcoming Events

For more details, please contact Ina.schomper@choc.org.za

We are so excited to announce that registration to our CHOC Walk Up SANI Pass is officially open and we can’t wait to see YOU at the pass on the 9th of August 2025

Don’t miss out secure your spot today and be part of a truly special day.

Click here for more details.

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Our mailing address is:
CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation
45 Homestead Road
The Avenues Office Park
Syringa Building
Rivonia
2128

Email:
bdu@choc.org.za

Tel:
086 111 3500

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