In commemoration of International Childhood Cancer Day, celebrated on the 15th of February, DKMS Africa, together with CANSA, organized a school stationery handover at Tygerberg Hospital, for young cancer patients undergoing treatment as they commence their academic year.
Cape Town, February 15, 2025 - Tygerberg has 10 learners who are currently undergoing cancer treatment, among whom include primary and secondary pupils. DKMS understands the feeling of helplessness and detachment that children adolescents in hospitals often face, hence we geared our focus on this initiative.
The stationery kits, which included notebooks, school supplies, and messages of hope, were intended to brighten the spirits of patients, providing them with tools to express their creativity during their treatment journey and encouraging them with their academic journeys.
DKMS Africa’s head of Corporate Communications and Community Engagement, Palesa Mokomele, said: “We are excited to be part of this meaningful initiative that brings joy and comfort to children amid their treatment. By commemorating International Childhood Cancer Day, we also hope to encourage the children and focus their outlook into one that enhances their educational outcomes. We are confident that they will make a meaningful contribution to society once they leave the hospital. For those that need stem cell transplants, we are working tirelessly to get them matching donors."
CANSA Western Cape co-ordinator Anthea Lewis said: “With our young warriors facing such challenging times, we are grateful that organizations such as DKMS Africa are able to contribute to ensuring they still experience a sense of normalcy on their health journey.”
This International Childhood Cancer Day is a reminder of the ongoing fight against childhood cancer and the collective responsibility to support young patients and their families. DKMS Africa is committed to promoting stem cell donation and research, ensuring a brighter future for all those affected by cancer.