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Together, We Can Make a Difference
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Hope
Starts Here
January
2025

Leading with Hope

A message from our Chairman
 
Welcome back everyone to a new year.

I trust we all had a wonderful festive break and are back to new challenges for 2025. 

We have come a long way from our humble beginnings with limited resources and a small team.

Many of our goals and visions have been realised, but the fight against cancer is ongoing. Everyone at CHOC plays a crucial role in this battle.

CHOC’s success in achieving ‘Keeping More Than Hope Alive’ is built on the dedication of our human resources: staff, volunteers, donors, and parents. They make our mission possible. We don’t just raise funds; we save lives.”

I am confident that by working together, we will achieve even more than we envisioned for 2025.

Let’s make 2025 the greatest year, in all our endeavours.

Thank you all for what you do.

Yours in Hope, Eugene Subban
Chairman of the CHOC Board

Navigating the Return to School After Cancer Treatment

Helping Children and Teens Thrive: Returning to School After Cancer

When a child or teen is diagnosed with cancer, it can be a profoundly emotional and challenging experience, not only for the family but also for their school community. Misunderstandings and fears surrounding the illness often create barriers to providing the support the learner needs. Educators play a crucial role in helping the child reintegrate into school life, but to do so effectively, they must overcome fear with knowledge.
 
At CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA, we are here to guide and support educators in creating an environment where families recovering from childhood cancer can thrive academically and emotionally.

Supporting Learners and Families

CHOC provides comprehensive care for children and teenagers with cancer and their families. With regional offices, branches, and 11 accommodation facilities near treatment centres, CHOC ensures families receive the support they need during a difficult time.
Our holistic approach includes:
  • Counselling and Psychosocial Support: Helping families and educators navigate the emotional challenges of childhood cancer.
  • Free Accommodation and Transport: Ensuring that no child has to abandon treatment due to financial constraints.
  • Food Parcels and Parent-to-Parent Support Groups: Offering practical assistance and fostering a sense of community.
  • Education and Advocacy: Training educators, healthcare professionals, and traditional practitioners to raise awareness of childhood cancer and promote early detection.

Empowering Educators to Make a Difference

Returning to school after cancer treatment is a significant milestone for a child. It is essential for educators to understand how to accommodate the learner’s medical, emotional, and social needs. With the right knowledge and resources, schools can become safe and nurturing spaces where children can heal, learn, and grow.

Understanding the Emotional Impact of Childhood Cancer

A cancer diagnosis affects more than just the child or teenager; it impacts the entire family and their circle of friends. Educators play a critical role in fostering understanding and creating a supportive environment for everyone involved.
  • For the Learner:
    Returning to school after cancer treatment is an exciting yet challenging time. A child may feel anxious about their appearance, worry about fitting in, or fear falling behind academically. They may also feel a sense of loss from missed experiences, which could lead to feelings of anger or sadness. Encouragement and inclusion are key to helping them regain confidence.
  • For the Siblings:
    The siblings of a child with cancer often feel overlooked as the family focuses on the ill child’s needs. They may experience feelings of rejection, anger, or confusion as family roles shift. Educators can provide much-needed stability by maintaining routines and offering a listening ear.
  • For the Family and Friends:
    Cancer changes family dynamics. One parent may spend significant time at the hospital, while the other manages home life. Friends may feel unsure how to approach the situation. Open communication and empathy from educators and peers can make a world of difference. 
The iPad Learning Programme facilitated by iSchoolAfrica commenced with CHOC in May 2024. The iSchoolAfrica CHOC programme has the following key critical objectives;
  • To assist paediatric cancer patients with school work while they are in hospital
  • To act as a distraction device when most needed by our learners on their cancer journey.
Working together with input from CHOC, ISchoolAfrica and the hospitals, the iPad Programme has been tailored to not only augment educational goals and minimise learning gaps, but also to create a distracting, creative, and fun space for childhood cancer patients.

Bringing Education to Life: The Impact of iSchoolAfrica and CHOC

“As an educator at Chris Hani Baragwanath School, I’ve witnessed the remarkable impact of iSchoolAfrica’s partnership with CHOC in the oncology ward. Using iPads, we’ve brought digital learning to young patients, ensuring they stay connected to their education while undergoing treatment.The children are responding with great enthusiasm and lessons have become more interactive, helping them remain engaged and motivated. The iPads provide a sense of normalcy and creativity, allowing children to focus on learning rather than their circumstances.” 

Ms SN Mpila, Departmental Head of Foundation Phase.

 
Above pictured
Ms SN Mpila with one of the
iPads handed over
Above pictured
One of the teachers using the iPads with the students

This initiative has been a lifeline for many, ensuring they don’t fall behind in schoolwork. It’s also tailored to each child’s pace and ability, making learning more accessible and enjoyable.
 
The collaboration between educators, CHOC, and iSchoolAfrica proves that education can thrive even in challenging environments, empowering young patients and giving them hope for a brighter future. The programme is truly transformative.
 
Join Us in Making a Difference

CHOC relies on the generosity of corporate sponsors, donors, and compassionate individuals who share our vision. By supporting CHOC, you can help us bring hope, healing, and a brighter future to children with cancer and their families.
For more information about CHOC’s resources or how you can contribute, visit the CHOC Website here.

Download our Flip Flop Day colouring in page here. Let’s build a world where every child can return to school with confidence, courage, and hope!

NOTE: The above is taken from our book: Back to School, Prepared by and obtainable from CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa
 

Another Way to Give:


All it takes is one swipe!

Simply get a free MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet card and swipe it when shopping at our retail partners.

A percentage of your spend will be donated CHOC, it’s that easy and won’t cost you a cent!

Join here to start making a difference now!

Make Every Step Count this Flip Flop Day

When we come together, our soles are unstoppable!

Looking for fierce, compassionate “sole mates” ready to make a difference for the courageous children and teenagers of CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa who will never have to stand alone in their ‘sole’ful quest to conquer childhood cancer!

For only R10 you can be part of the movement to walk with children and teenagers who have been diagnosed with childhood cancer, and their families.

Get your stickers now:

  • Download our order form here

  • Click here to read more

Ok, but what about some Flip’n cool merch?!

Purchase your awesome merch here or fill out the order form!

Turn Your Taxes Into Hope: Support CHOC This Season

Why donate to CHOC this Tax Season

At CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA, your generosity makes a tangible difference in the lives of children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or a life-threatening blood disorder, and their families.

Did you know that your donation can also benefit you?

As a registered Public Benefit Organisation, CHOC is approved to issue Section 18A tax certificates, allowing you to claim your donation as a tax-deductible expense (up to 10% of taxable income).

Here’s how to request your Section 18A Tax Certificate:

  1. Complete the Form:

    • Individual donors: Download the form here.

    • Company/Trust/School donors:  Download the form here.

  2. Submit Proof of Payment: Send your completed form and proof of payment to donations@choc.org.za.

  3. In-Kind Donations: Provide supporting documentation for verification.*

*Note (In-Kind Donations)

Section 18A Certificates can be issued for in-kind donations on receipt of supporting documentation required to verify the cost of the in-kind donation incurred by the donor.  If items are purchased from a supplier the receipt or invoice will be sufficient. If items are donated from the company’s stock, then an invoice or supporting document reflecting the cost price will be required. The certificate will be issued with the total amount excluding VAT. These documents must be submitted with the Section 18A Request Form mentioned above.

Please ensure that your information complies with updated tax certificate regulations (effective 1 March 2023) in terms of Government Gazette Notice No. 48104 published on 24 February 2023.

Bonus for Businesses:

Qualify for SED points with a letter confirming CHOC’s impact, including third-party verification.

For any queries, please contact us at donations@choc.org.za

Your contributions help sustain vital services and provide hope to families in need. Request your Section 18A certificate today and let’s keep making a difference together!

Did You Know? CHOC’s Nationwide Impact

Supporting Families Across South Africa

Having the power to improve the lives of others is a privilege, one that is closely associated with its own sense of obligation. Acting on these powerful feelings of responsibility is an excellent way of reinforcing our own personal values and feel like we’re living in a way that abides by our beliefs.

Upcoming Events

Supporting Families Across South Africa

We have an inspiring lineup of events planned for the upcoming months, each designed to raise awareness, foster community spirit, and support children and families who have been diagnosed childhood cancer or a life-threatening blood disorder.

From fundraising campaigns to community-driven activities, these events provide a meaningful way for you to get involved and make a difference.

Midmar Mile 6th–9th February

We’re kicking off the year with a splash! The MidMOO Mile is just around the corner. Our 8 Milers will brave the waters first on the 6th and 7th, while the main herd takes to the dam on the 8th and 9th. We cannot wait to see you there, so if you haven’t registered to swim yet, now’s the time to dive in! Below you will find all the info you need to know: 

Get your goggles ready and your cow suits out because we’re taking on the MidMOO Mile for CHOC once again! Together, we’ll swim, laugh, and raise MOOLA to make a difference for the children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer. 

Event Details:

Date: 6-9 February 2025
Location: Midmar Dam
Goal: Raising MOOLA to support CHOC!

Whether you’re aiming for all 8 miles or just want to support the cause, we need YOU! 

How you can get involved:

  • Join the Herd: Sign up for the swim and wear your patches with pride!

  • Raise MOOLA: Let’s smash fundraising records together!

  • Cheer Us On: Can’t swim? No problem! Support the team by donating or spreading the word.

Let’s make Midmar 2025 the most MOO-valous one yet! 

Ready to dive in? 

Contact Durbs Daisy here today to join the herd!! 

Visit our website for more details and join us as we come together to bring hope to those who need it most. Your participation helps us continue providing essential support to these young warriors and their families.

To spread hope, follow us on the social media platforms below

    

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