The inconceivable diagnosis of childhood cancer should not be a challenge any parent should have to face.
Unfortunately, it is a reality that many families across SA have had to come to terms with daily.
These families face a reality like no other, one no one should have to face. However, these brave children, teenagers and their families never have to stand alone.
Owami, a brave six-year-old boy, was diagnosed with leukaemia last year. His parents were devastated when they heard the news but found solace in the fact that they weren’t alone.
The CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa gave them the emotional and practical support they needed to get through this difficult time.
From the moment they received the diagnosis, CHOC was there to offer a helping hand, providing them with essential CHOC care bags, nutritional food support, transport assistance, psychosocial support and even accommodation when they needed it most.
Owami’s parents were amazed by the level of care and support they received from CHOC.
They felt like they were part of a family, and it made all the difference. Owami is still going through the childhood cancer journey but is not alone.
CHOC is there every step of the way, providing him with the support he needs to keep going.
Annually, Flippie arrives in February, and South Africans are encouraged to wear their flip flops, donate by buying a Flip Flop Day sticker for R10 and wear the sticker on Flip Flop Day, February 23.
Doing so will help support children like Owami and their families.
Show your support for these brave children and teenagers.
Flippie, SA’s favourite and most well-loved CHOC SOLE-dier, has a passion for compassion and has stepped up to lead the movement to get everyone from the seaside to the city to show their support for these fearless children and teenagers.
CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa is a registered and internationally recognised NPO that aims to provide life-changing and all-embracing support programmes for the child or teenager and their families once a diagnosis has been made.
Services provide emotional support through the cancer journey, palliative and end-of-life care, and bereavement support.
The organisation also offers practical support for patients and families, including essential CHOC care bags, nutritional food support, bereavement support, accommodation, transport to and from treatments, and an educational and awareness programme on the Siluan Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer.
Hedley Lewis, the CHOC CEO, emphasises the impact of just one sticker.
“Your donation will make a significant difference in the lives of these young ones and their families. By contributing just R10, you assist CHOC in funding their core programmes and extend hope, solidarity, and support to those diagnosed with childhood cancer,” said Lewis.
“At any one time, CHOC can have around 1 500 children and teenagers in its care. Show your heart by wearing your soles. From classrooms to boardrooms, support us to support them for only R10.”
Flip Flop Day is now in its fifth year. Stickers are available from PNA, Tekkie Town, the nearest CHOC regional office, or online.
