Eastwold Way is awash with blue
SAXONWOLD – Motorists driving down Eastwold Way in Saxonwold and finding the entire street awash with blue, are probably wondering what the reasons behind these azure decorations are.
For those who don’t know, the Childhood Cancer Foundation, better known as CHOC, is based on Eastwold Way and the organisation is doing its best to not only make local residents aware that the International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) is coming up on 15 February, but to also garner as much support from the community as it possibly can.
International Childhood Cancer Day is a global collaborative campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer, and to express support for children with cancer, survivors and their families.
Enthusiastic volunteers arrived at the home on 30 January and enjoyed a friendly competition between them to see how many trees they could drape in blue.
“We just want to make people aware of the day,” said CHOC spokesperson, Charlie Bainbridge.
“We want them to ask questions, to ask us why we are doing this. It’s only one day, but we want to incorporate this theme for the whole month to raise awareness.”
Sadly, it is now estimated that one in 408 children worldwide will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 15. In developed countries, childhood cancer has largely become curable, with the overall survival rate reaching between 70 and 80 percent or higher; whilst in South Africa, the rate is closer to 50 percent. CHOC aims to ensure that more children in South Africa are cured and that the survival rate goes up.
CHOC has come up with a novel idea for those who would like to show they care for these young cancer-fighting warriors with their ‘Have a heart for children with cancer’ initiative.
Show your support by either purchasing or wearing the ICCD badge on the day or buying a ‘Have a heart for children with cancer’ chocolate which can be given to your friends, family and colleagues for Valentine’s Day. These can be purchased at the CHOC premises, or ordered by e-mailing bdu@choc.org.za, or phoning 086 111 3500.
“Together we can make a difference in helping keep more than hope alive for children with cancer, the survivors and their families,” Bainbridge concluded.
Details: www.choc.org.za
