Go 4 Gold in September
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – a time to honour and remember children and families affected by this devastating disease, and to help rally support for kids with cancer.According to Rolf Hansen of the Cancer Association (CAN), the International Childhood Cancer Foundation estimates that each September no less than 25 000 families around the world will get the horrible news that their child or teen has cancer, while an estimated 6 667 families will experience the loss of a child.
“In Namibia, childhood cancer is becoming a serious concern. In 2015 CAN registered 133 new cases, in comparison to an average of 71 cases per year between 2010 and 2014. In 2016, 81 cases were registered on the Namibia National Cancer Registry. Leukaemia and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma are the most prevalent forms of cancer in Namibian children,” he says.
“Childhood cancer is a big problem because it can’t be treated like adult cancers. Current treatments are predominantly toxic and often affect a child’s development. So, to treat childhood cancer in the best way possible, we need to create specialized treatments just for kids. Since the causes of childhood cancer are largely unknown, we need to study the causes to understand what treatment may work best.”
In this vein, families, caregivers, charities and research groups across the globe observe September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to make a united stand in the fight against childhood forms of cancer.
Locally, CAN hosts the Go 4 Gold in September campaign.
“We aim to support the Children Fighting Cancer in Namibia (CHICA) Fund as well as the CHICA Interim Home. But most importantly, we want to raise funds for renovations and upgrades at the paediatric oncology wing (Floor 8 West at Windhoek Central Hospital),” Hansen says.
“This project alone is estimated to cost more than N$150 000.”
He called on all Namibians to support the Shake-a-Can-4-Cancer and Takkie Day on Friday, 15 September 2017.
“A donation of N$20 will get you a bright sticker to wear with your work or school uniform, while you can wear takkies to show your classmates and colleagues that you support children fighting cancer,” he says.
On Saturday, 16 September, CAN hosts the National Cancer Walk which is powered by RadioWave 96.7FM and other project partners.
The walk starts at 07:30 and participation is a donation of N$75 per person. All participants receive an eco-friendly recycled wood gift that can be used as a medallion or key ring.
Register at the CAN at 061 237 740 and The Biltong Shop (Maerua Mall) in Windhoek, or with Junitta Rittmann at 081 477 3330 in Rehoboth.