CHOC Northern Newsletter
Message from the Regional Manager
Reaching another fiscal year, I stand back and look at an amazing year of accomplishments for CHOC Northern Region.
Accomplishments that would not have been possible without the enormous support we have received from individuals and the business communities who support CHOC through gifts and kind, financial donations and childhood cancer awareness raising opportunities through corporate talks, school assembles and exhibitions.
Sammy’s Story
My name is Samekelisiwe Mkhonza.
I was born 1996, just four years after my brother/sister, a second blessing bestowed on my parents.
I am that blessing.
Wilms Tumour (Nephroblastoma) Professor David Reynders
Wilms tumour or nephroblastoma as it is more commonly known is the most common renal malignancy in children. The annual incidence of renal tumours is about seven cases per million in children younger than 15 years of age. Two thirds of the cases of Wilms tumours are diagnosed before the age of five. Wilms tumour accounts for approximately 6% of all childhood malignancies.
Nephroblastoma can originate or affect one or both of the kidneys at the same time. Wilms tumour is associated with several congenital abnormalities (genetic or inherited abnormalities). Children that developed bilateral or are affected in both kidneys are more likely to have an inherited or a genetic abnormality. Although this is not always the case.
The Sibling Camp
This year camp Footprint was held on the 6 and 7 May at Kwalata Adventure Camp.
Many excited siblings were dropped off at CHOC house where they were collected for this exciting camp.
The diagnosis of childhood cancer or a life threatening blood disorder in a child changes a family’s life never to be the same again…roles, routines to mention but a few. Amidst the emotional turmoil there is also so much more to do, sort and coordinate. Life is turned upside down and understandably the sick child becomes the parent’s priority. Healthy siblings are at risk of becoming the “silent sufferers”.
A Parents Journey
My name is Qondi, I am a parent from Mpumalanga who has a young daughter that was diagnosed with kidney cancer. I was in absolute shock and I couldn’t believe it was happening to me. I was told Pretoria is the only place where she could get the treated. I did not know what to do and where I would stay. I don’t have friends or family in Pretoria, nor did I have enough money to travel from home to hospital every day as it would cost a lot of money. After being discharged from hospital they told us that we will stay at CHOC House. We had to leave the hospital and go there. I was so scared, only to find that it is a home where anyone can stay. We were welcomed by everyone. CHOC has helped me and my daughter financially and emotionally, by giving us a place to stay during treatment. CHOC does not choose who you are or where you come from, it is a place that you can call home. You and your child have a bed to sleep on, food to eat and a playground where our children can run around and be children.
Fun with art and craft
Lynn Greeff and Rea Rohlandt are retired teachers who visit CHOC house every Wednesday. Parents are taught to make beautiful arts and crafts, while the children are kept busy playing games, reading and fun activities. Below are some of the items Lynn and Rea have made with the parents these past few months.
Should you wish to get involved as a volunteer, please contact Antonella Swanepoel at 012 323 3490.
September go for Gold Campaign
September is the gold ribbon month – marked as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month; this is a time where globally, countries honor and remember children and families affected by this rare disease, and help rally awareness on the early warning signs of childhood Cancer.
CHOC Childhood Cancer foundation SA is encouraging all South Africans to “Go for Gold” by purchasing the gold ribbon. Get your company, school or churches involved and order your ribbons by contacting Dianah at 012 323 3492.