Make a difference on CHOC’s Flip Flop Day

Remember CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA Flip Flop Day on February 18 by having a heart and wearing a sole.

A donation of R10 gets you a Flip Flop Day sticker, then slip on your favourite flip flops and take a colourful stand with all of us in support of the brave children and teenagers of the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation who are facing the battle against childhood cancer.

For more information or to purchase your sticker, visit a CHOC region closest to you, www.choc.org.za or pop into your local PNA or Tekkie Town Store.

Testimony

Xichavo Mhangani is a Grade 12 learner, as well as the head of a child-headed household. His mother passed away in 2018.

A huge responsibility fell on his shoulders as he needed to take care of his two younger siblings, a nine-year-old brother and a 12-year-old sister.

“In 2020 I went to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital’s haematology department to find out why I was always not feeling well. After numerous tests and biopsies, the results showed that I have Osteosarcoma or bone cancer. The day I was diagnosed I cried, but there was no one to comfort me,” said Xichavo.

“This diagnosis came as a shock to me. At that moment, I felt so scared and totally alone. My uncle who lives in Venda wanted to take my two siblings to live with my granny. I refused because I want them to be with me, they are all I have.

“I believe myself to be an independent brother who is able to take care of them. Yet during my first year of treatment, when I was at my sickest, my sister took care of me and for that, I want to thank her and tell her that I really love her,” explained Xichavo.

His school was wonderful and supportive and understood that he could not attend for the first six months of his treatment. “I am now in Grade 12. Even though the treatments take a toll on me, I need to stay at home for at least a week after each treatment. I’m trying my best and I am working really hard to get distinctions in my subjects to be able to study further.

“When I started my treatment, I was told that I could stay in the CHOC house in Diepkloof. I was hesitant because it was extremely difficult to leave my brother and sister in the care of my neighbours but due to financial constraints, I had no choice. It was the best decision I ever had to make.

“Slowly but surely I started to come to terms with my cancer diagnoses, and the other children in the house became like a family to me. I could relate to them because they were going through the same journey as I was.

“The CHOC staff especially Zotha, the house supervisor, and the social workers took me under their wing and took care of me. They supported me and looked after me as if I was their own child.

“I am eternally grateful to CHOC’s social worker Lawrence, he ensured that I have all I need regarding transport money, food parcels for my siblings, emotional support when I needed it and even a gift or two for special days. He really walks the extra mile. I also want to thank all the doctors and nursing staff that are taking such good care of me,” he said.

When he came to CHOC he couldn’t believe what a wonderful place it is. “I really want to say thank you to all CHOC’s donors. It is because of them that CHOC is able to help so many children and families. My siblings and I are an example of this.

“My dream is to become a chartered accountant to provide for my siblings to the best of my ability. I really want my sister and little brother to be successful in life.

“I’m grateful to everyone who is making this difficult journey so much easier, with the excellent care, and support of the whole CHOC team, I feel so much better and I have hopes and a dream for a brighter future,” noted Xichavo.