The CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation supports children with cancer and life-threatening blood disorders and their families by improving their early detection and facilitating effective treatment.
Once a year, paediatrician Dr Klaus Leschner at Netcare Olivedale Hospital raises money for CHOC through an initiative where people can contribute funds. On 29 January he raised funds by selling curry and rice at the Netcare Olivedale Hospital at R15 a plate.
Dr Leschner said he has been participating in water swimming for many years. He noticed a group of children who would come and watch swimmers from the Midmar Mile 8 Mile Club in Pietermaritzburg.
” There are currently 50 swimmers in the 8 Mile Club who swim eight miles divided between two days. The swimmers raise a minimum of R10 000 to a charity they support. For the past five years, I have been raising funds for the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation,” said Dr Leschner.
Visitors and staff members came in numbers to purchase the delicious curry and rice to raise funds for a worthy cause. Xitivani Mavundza from Randpark Ridge said that she has a friend who does work for CHOC and told her what kind of foundation it is.
” I think the work CHOC does for cancer patients and their families is really good. I’ve had a family member pass away from cancer so I believe this is a worthy charity to raise funds for,” said Mavundza.
Dr Leschner said he believes that children with cancer are a group of vulnerable children who need support due to experiencing prolonged suffering and treatment is expensive for their families. He added that with early diagnosis children can be cured and that CHOC also helps raise awareness about cancer.
