Surviving Neuroblastoma, A Journey of Faith, Hope and Resilience

Meet Childhood Cancer Survivor, Candice Weber

In 1995, at just four years old, I knew I wanted to be an actress, singing and dancing around our house in Witbank. That same year, I began experiencing severe stomach pain, which led to numerous doctor visits with no answers. On my fifth birthday in October, still unwell, I was referred to a paediatrician in Johannesburg. Tests revealed a 12cm x 4cm tumour in my right adrenal gland, and I was diagnosed with stage 3 Neuroblastoma. With only a 10% chance of survival, my parents were devastated, especially with a newborn at home.

Ward 294 at Johannesburg General Hospital became our home for two years. The doctors and staff, including Sister Sadie, Dr. Bernard, and Dr. Rosie, provided exceptional care. 

After months of chemotherapy, Prof Peter Beale successfully removed the tumour. A bone marrow transplant followed, involving aggressive chemo and weeks of isolation. It was a dark and challenging time, but I survived while many did not.

After returning home, I continued regular check-ups and blood tests. Thanks to the incredible specialists, my family’s unwavering love, and numerous prayers, I have been cancer-free for 24 years. Now an actress, I believe in the purpose of life and aim to encourage children and parents facing similar battles, reminding them they are not alone.

To read my full story, please click here.

With Hope,
Candice

Honouring the Legacy of Nelson Mandela

Celebrating Mandela Day with our donors

On this Mandela Day, we came together to honour the extraordinary life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, a beacon of hope and unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Mandela’s vision for a world where every individual is treated with dignity and respect continues to inspire us all. This month, we celebrated with our wonderful donors across South Africa.
Mandela Day is more than just a day of remembrance; it is a call to action. It encourages each of us to take small steps toward creating a more just and compassionate world. This year, across all our regions, we have dedicated our efforts to supporting and uplifting the lives of children and teenagers, reflecting Mandela’s belief in the power of youth to shape the future.
From our garden fairies and vibrant painting sessions to fulfilling our essential wishlist items, the joy and enthusiasm displayed by everyone involved has been truly heart-warming. It is through these collective efforts that we can ensure that each child and teenager has the opportunity to flourish and contribute to society.
We, the children, the teenagers, and their families, extend our deepest appreciation and heartfelt thank you to all our incredible supporters who have made a positive impact in keeping hope alive for our children and teens. Your unwavering dedication and contributions have truly made a difference and continue to inspire us every day.
 
Together, we will make a lasting difference and create a legacy worthy of Mandela’s extraordinary vision.

CHOC Winter Colour Tea

If you’re familiar with the Free State, you know how harsh the winters can be. However, on 8 June, the chill was replaced with warmth and a burst of color at the CHOC Winter Colour Tea held at Altissimo Guest House. Hanneke Lubbe from Hospice Free State, a cherished friend of CHOC Free State, delivered an inspiring talk on infusing color into life during challenging times. Hanneke, who lost her young son Henry to childhood cancer, shared her heartfelt insights.
 
Elmarie Lambourne, an Image Consultant from Dazzling Gem Image Consultant and Stylist, offered the attendees valuable tips on selecting the right colours and styles to enhance their wardrobes, tailored to their body shapes.
 
The event also featured exhibitions by Loka’Mor Bloemfontein and Mooiste Meisie Make-up, showcasing their clothing and makeup collections.

Advancing Early Detection of Childhood Cancer in South Africa

At CHOC, we are dedicated to raising awareness about the symptoms and Siluan Early Warning Signs (EWS) of childhood cancer through our Awareness Training and Education Programme.
 
Recently, a series of specialized training sessions were held for a group of nurses at the Greater Kokstad Clinic. The objective was to equip them with the knowledge to recognise the symptoms and Early Warning Signs of childhood cancer

 
Our mission is clear: early detection saves lives. By 2030, we aim to increase survival rates to 60% across South Africa, in line with the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC).

In pursuit of this vision, we have recruited 22 professional nurses from across the country to bring hope to communities and continue to grow.

Our Impact over the Past Year

Support CHOC and Secure Your Tax Benefit

Complete Your Section 18A Certificate Request Today

At CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA, we are committed to making a positive impact in our community. Your support plays a vital role in sustaining our core services provided to children and teenagers with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders, and their families.
 
As we strive to expand our reach and amplify our efforts, we are reaching out to you with an important request. We kindly ask that you complete the respective form below with the information which we require to issue a Section 18A Tax Certificate, if you haven’t already provided us with this information.
 
By providing us with the necessary information, as per SARS requirements, you’ll enable us to effectively issue you with a Section 18A Tax Certificate, should your donation qualify for one.
 
In terms of Government Gazette Notice No. 48104 published on 24 February 2023, the SARS Commissioner has exercised the right under section 18A(2)(a)(vii) of the Income Tax Act to prescribe further requirements for tax certificates. The notice came into effect on 1 March 2023.
 
If you have made a donation to CHOC in your personal capacity or if you company, trust or school has made a donation to CHOC and would like to request a Section 18A tax certificate for a qualifying donation/s, please take a moment to fill out our S18A Request Form. If you are requesting for more than one company, trust, or school, please complete a separate form for each entity.
 
Kindly send the completed form/s to donations@choc.org.zaIf you have any questions or require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at donations@choc.org.za.

Your dedication to our cause is deeply appreciated, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
 

Ride Joburg with the CHOC Cows!

Are you ready to pedal with passion and purpose to make a difference in the lives of children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or a life-threatening blood disorder? Join our Super Cycling Herd of dedicated MOOs for Ride Joburg 2024 and support CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA as we raise much-needed MOOLA and awareness for this amoozing cause.
By participating in Ride Joburg, you’ll not only challenge yourself on an epic ride through the heart of Joburg but also contribute to a cause that truly matters. Together, let’s turn every mile into hope, strength, and smiles for these brave children.
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or new to the road, we would be thrilled to have you in the herd.  There are no limits when it comes to being a Cow, and we welcome riders of all levels to join in on the FUN.

All you need to do is:
1. Decide you want to be a Super MOO.
2. Enter Ride Joburg 2024.
3. Email Daisy and tell her you want to raise MOOLA.
4. Set up a Givengain fundraising page and choose the Ride Joburg Campaign.
5. Raise R6000 to receive the super AMOOZING Cow cycle gear.
6. Get ready to have some FUN in the SUN with the Super Herd.
Let’s ride together, raise funds, and make a MOOSIVE impact. Sign up today and be a part of something extraordinary at Ride Joburg 2024. Your journey with The Cows starts here!
Sign Up Now by clicking here
For more information, email Daisy at Daisy@thecows.co.za.

Thank you to our PR and Communications Team

A Message from the HR Desk

Let’s take a moment to appreciate our incredible work and the talented individuals who make it all happen. Here’s to our PR/Marketing rockstars!
Thank you for your creativity, and strategic thinking ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with our stakeholders. Your efforts have elevated our brand and built meaningful connections with our audience.
Your tireless commitment to storytelling, media relations, and stakeholder engagement has significantly impacted our organisation’s reputation and success.

Celebrate with us as we turn 45!

As CHOC commemorates its 45th anniversary, we reflect on the journey that has shaped us into the beacon of hope and support we are today. 

Mandela’s visit in 1997:

Sadie recalls the day she met Nelson Mandela “That day he arrived an hour ahead of the scheduled time.
I had to take him on a shorter route of Ward 286 as he had problems with his knees, and I did not want him to walk too far. So, here I was showing him around and introducing him.  I had not read up on the protocol, but he was wonderful.  There was not a child in the ward that he did not stop to speak to or pick up.  He had such an affinity for children. Parents and staff in the wards froze on the spot at seeing him”
He picked up from my accent that I was Irish, and he said, ‘Sister, what brings you here?’ and he was about to go on an official visit to Ireland.

So, we had a lovely chitter-chatter about that. I said, you’ve got to try Guinness.
I remember introducing Professor Janet Poole to him and he looked down at her and said, ‘Well, you should be in school.’ He had such a sense of humour.
Afterwards we were all so overwhelmed at the excitement of the day and meeting Mr Mandela. I think everyone who met him didn’t want to wash their hands, they wanted to keep that feeling and cherish every moment. Meeting Mr Mandela was an affirmation to keep focused, to keep the faith – his vision was to know that what you want to accomplish can be accomplished and legacy taught us that our aspirations are within reach.”
Together, we reaffirm our commitment to providing comfort, care, and support to children with cancer and their families, honouring the spirit of compassion and resilience that has defined CHOC for 45 remarkable years.

We will be hosting our 45th birthday event in November.  If there are individuals or corporates  that would like to get involved please contact Antonella.swanepoel@choc.org.za

Join us at one of our upcoming events

Enter the CHOC Cyclethon Here

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


Copyright © 2024, CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA. All rights reserved. Read our Privacy Policy here.
 
   

Recommended Posts