This month, we celebrate the incredible community that surrounds our children, moms who love unconditionally, nurses who give selflessly, doctors who guide with care, and supporters like you who make it all possible.

From stories of hope to exciting events and ways to get involved, this mailer is a tribute to the village that makes healing happen.

When Strangers Become Friends

Untold Stories from CHOC House Bloemfontein

Every day, I watch them through my office window—children of all ages and from all walks of life walking through our gate. Although they come from different towns, provinces, countries, and cultures, they all share one thing in common: a Childhood Cancer Diagnosis.

I know that when they enter that gate, they are being given a chance, an opportunity to receive treatment, to heal, and to become part of the CHOC family.

At first, they are scared. Quiet. Shy. They often cling to their caregivers, hiding behind them, uncertain of what is to come. They glance nervously at the other children, hesitant to join in the activities or even speak. However, something beautiful begins to happen then. After a day or two, they start to relax. They begin to smile, and slowly but surely, they find their confidence.

That is when the magic happens.

Even when they do not speak the same language, laughter becomes their bridge. Smiles become their common tongue. Soon, they are laughing, playing, and bonding as if they have known each other forever. I see friendships form—deep, genuine connections that often defy words. They share joy, and sometimes, they share a tear or two. And every time, I am reminded that even in the most challenging circumstances, hope and love remain.

CHOC House Bloemfontein is not just a place of shelter—it is a place where friendships are formed, where healing is both emotional and physical, and where hope is kept alive.

One of the photos I have shared here is especially close to my heart. It is of two little girls—one from the Northern Cape who spoke only Afrikaans, and the other from Lesotho, who spoke Sesotho. Despite the language barrier, they became best friends. They played together every day. I took this photo just before one of them left for treatment in Cape Town. Tragically, both girls passed away last year. But their friendship, their laughter, and their light will stay with me always.

The group photo shows children playing with dough. None of them spoke the same language, but that did not matter. Their laughter filled the house—and my heart.

By Sonet van Zyl, Regional Manager – Free State/Kalahari

Celebrating the Heart of Every Family

This Mother’s Day, we honour every kind of mother

To the ones who show up every day, in significant ways and small. To the ones holding hands through hospital halls, whispering courage when it is hard to be brave. To grandmothers, aunts, sisters, single dads and friends, those who mother with their hearts, even if not by title. To the quiet strength, the fierce love, the tireless care: we see you, we thank you, we honour you. This month, and always, CHOC celebrates you because hope begins with a mother’s love.

Watch our tribute to mothers of all kinds here.

Honouring Our Everyday Heroes

A Tribute to CHOC Nurses

In celebration of International Nurses Day, CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA, in collaboration with Lancet Laboratories, launched a national initiative to appreciate and celebrate nurses at 16 Paediatric Oncology Units across South Africa.

These nurses stand side by side with patients 24 hours a day, offering passion and love. As Hedley Lewis, CEO of CHOC, stated, “CHOC is privileged to partner with Lancet Laboratories to pay tribute to the nurses in Paediatric Oncology Units across the country.”

This captures the heartfelt moments of appreciation and the profound impact these nurses have on the lives of children and their families. Their unwavering dedication and compassionate care are the backbone of our mission to support children battling cancer and life-threatening blood disorders.

To all our nurses: thank you for being the heartbeat of hope.

Hope Blooms High Tea

An unforgettable afternoon of elegance, inspiration, and community in support of children with cancer.

Recently, CHOC Gauteng South Region held its Annual High Tea. This year’s theme, Hope Blooms, brought a sense of renewal, unity, and love to the elegant Four Seasons Hotel in Johannesburg.

Guests arrived dressed in white with touches of gold, setting a breathtaking scene filled with heart and sophistication. The afternoon was rich with emotion and inspiration, from a heartfelt speech by CHOC founder Sadie Cutland to powerful stories of courage and hope shared by Benita Muller and other remarkable guests.

A live performance by Bianca Blanc added a magical soundtrack to the day. Excitement soared during the raffle draws and the much-loved Art Auction, where guests bid on beautiful pieces created by the brave and talented children in CHOC’s care.

To everyone who attended, supported, and made this event possible, thank you. Your presence and generosity remind us that hope truly does bloom when we stand together in support of children and families facing cancer.

Empowering Communities to Recognise Childhood Cancer

When training our CHOC Community Trainers, we do more than provide adult facilitation skills and knowledge of the Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer. We also emphasise the application of the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) theory, which helps them effectively engage with communities. This theory is based on the belief that it is essential to:

• Providing accurate knowledge about the Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer 
• Shift attitudes toward the disease by addressing myths and misconceptions
• Encourage positive practices, such as prompt referrals to tertiary hospitals

Together, these elements empower trainers to create meaningful change within their communities.

Catherine Ntanjana

Catherine is a Traditional Health Practitioner whom CHOC trained as a Community Trainer in 2018. Since then, she has reached thousands of people in her community and surrounding municipalities through training and talks at community events and schools. She is based in the small town of Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal. Her primary target group is Traditional Health Practitioners, as she serves as the deputy chairperson of the Harry Gwala Traditional Health Practitioners Organisation. She is passionate about debunking the Myths of Childhood Cancer.

Catherine shares her experience:  “The area where I live is rural, and the lack of knowledge, along with myths and stigmas, has a significant impact on the community. Many wards lack their clinics and must rely on mobile clinics. Some wards even have to share a clinic, which might be far away or difficult to access due to transportation challenges, making mobile clinics their only option. I am working to spread knowledge and raise awareness as many people here are only familiar with breast and cervical cancer. Unfortunately, many people live in denial and deeply rooted myths, but I am determined to change that”.

Catherine believes that the KAP theory has helped change the attitudes and practices of many Traditional Health Practitioners in her area.

Vinna Mogiba

Based in Mpumalanga is Vinna Mogiba whom CHOC trained as a Community Trainer in 2019. A retired registered nurse, she began her career at Shongwe Hospital in 1976. Her qualifications include Medical and Surgical Nursing, Midwifery, Paediatric and Nursing Management. She retired in 2014 after serving the Department of Health for 38 years in various roles.

Join us at one of our upcoming events:

This Mandela Day, choose items from our wishlist and drop them off at a CHOC House near you! See the List of CHOC Houses here.