Creating awareness about childhood cancer
Keemo, a mascot for CHOC, will be working together with the organisation on International Childhood Cancer Day on 15 February to raise awareness about cancer and the organisation.
Keemo’s story is a remarkable tale of sadness turned into hope after she got diagnosed with cancer at the tender age of three.
However, due to early detection and support from the Childrens Haematology Oncology Clinics (CHOC), the mascot lived to tell the tale of her recovery.
Now she, along with her mother Thandi, use the positive story to tell people about childhood cancer and also support those affected by the disease.
Keemo’s name is a play on the word chemotherapy, a treatment for cancer patients.
Schools and companies can get involved by purchasing CHOC items and inviting the two CHOC mascots, Keemo and Thandi, to visit and share their journey with cancer.
According to CHOC, childhood cancer worldwide is rare, with 150 children per million being diagnosed with cancer each year.
In South Africa, between 70 and 80 children per million are diagnosed, with Leukaemia being the most common cancer.
The survival rate ranges from 44 percent to 68 percent, but with early detection, CHOC says the number can increase drastically to between 75 percent and 85 percent.
Through public awareness on cancer, the disease would be detected earlier and treatment shorter and more cost effective.
Schools are encouraged to get involved in creating awareness about cancer so that every child can understand the disease.
Details: www.choc.org.za or call the organisation on 011 486 1212.
