Buy stickers and wear flip-flops for kids with cancer

The inconceivable diagnosis of childhood cancer should not be a challenge that any parent should ever have to face. But unfortunately, it is a reality that many families have had to come to terms with daily.

These families are facing a reality like no other, one that no one should have to face, however, these brave children and teenagers, along with their families never have to stand alone.

Owami, a brave 6-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 Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC) provided them with 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 Carebags, 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 that made all the difference. Owami is still going through this childhood cancer journey, but he’s not alone. CHOC is there every step of the way, providing him with the support he needs to keep going.

Hedley Lewis, CHOC CEO, emphasised, “Annually, Flippie arrives in February and we need to encourage South Africans to wear their flip flops, make a donation by purchasing a Flip Flop Day sticker for R10 and wear your sticker on Flip Flop Day which is February 23. This will help support children like Owami and their families. So, let’s show our support for these brave children and teenagers and wear our soles with pride!”

Flippie, South Africa’s favourite and most well-loved CHOC SOLE-dier has a serious 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 is a registered and internationally recognised NPO that aims to provide life-changing and all-embracing support programmes to both the child or teenager and their families once a diagnosis has been given.

“Our services provide emotional support through the cancer journey, as well as palliative, end-of-life care and bereavement support. We also offer practical support for patients and families, including essential CHOC Carebags, nutritional food support, bereavement support, accommodation, transport to and from treatments, and our Educational and Awareness Programme on the Siluan Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer.

“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.”

Hedley further highlights, “At any one time, CHOC can have around 1 500 children and teenagers in our care. Show your heart by wearing your soles! From classrooms to boardrooms, support us to support them for only R10.”

You can get your sticker for only R10 at your nearest PNA, Tekkie Town, or by visiting www.choc.org.za alternatively popping into your nearest CHOC Regional Office.