Choc co-founder Sadie Cutland reflects on her 40 year journey with the NPO
SAXONWOLD – Sadie Cutland describes why she felt the need to start CHOC 40 years ago.
Co-founder of Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC), Sadie Cutland is an inspirational local woman to be celebrated this Women’s Month.
In 1977, when her seven-year-old daughter Hillary was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia, Cultand said she felt alone and isolated.
“Having a child diagnosed with a life-threatening disease is an earth-shattering experience for any parent and a major stress on time, emotions and finances,” added Cutland.
“I did not meet another parent with a child with the same condition until 1981 and had no support from anyone except my husband.”
She was motivated to begin parent support groups in 1979 to help families discuss their challenges and create a supportive community. CHOC also began by creating a more child-friendly, less clinical ward for the young patients who spent a lot of time receiving treatment in the haematology and oncology ward.
In 1981, she began working night shift as a nursing sister at Joburg Gen (now Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital), where she began to hear more about the struggles of parents, who were initially unable to stay overnight with their children and struggled to find accommodation near the hospitals while their children underwent treatment.
CHOC expanded to provide educational programmes for parents and create a support structure for families. “It is not about treating the illness. It is a child who happens to have a certain diagnosis and who is part of a family,” said Cutland.
The name CHOC came about when support group members looked at the sign outside Ward 294 which read, Children’s Haematology Oncology Clinic (CHOC).
The foundation went national in 2000 and has since opened 13 CHOC houses across the country where guardians and their children can be accommodated while children undergo treatment at nearby hospitals.
CHOC House in Saxonwold, which was the first house to open its doors, has provided 2 876 bed nights to families over the past year. The foundation also provides emotional support, transport, practical support and awareness to families, alongside a number of other services.
When asked about the foundation’s secret to longevity and success, Cutland said it was the NPO’s openness, honesty and support from parents, which had helped it grow.
Reflecting on Women’s Month in South Africa, Cutland said,
“I am worried about the amount of unemployment and emigration in our country. “We are losing so many skills. Women must volunteer to share their skills to give back to this country and make a difference. Don’t retire, just re-fire.”
Local community members are encouraged to support CHOC by volunteering, providing financial support, giving of their time to garden at CHOC House in Saxonwold or provide donations in kind to fulfil the wishlist at various CHOC houses.
Details: www.choc.org.za
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