Be Bold Go Gold for Childhood Cancer

Joseph, a cheerful 10-year-old with a passion for football, is a learner at primary school in Bomet County, nestled in the lush green rolling hills of Kenya’s rift valley. His playful spirit and love for school brought joy to his family—until one evening, when their lives took an unexpected turn.

After running home from school, Joseph complained of a sharp headache. “Macho yalianza kushake,” (‘his eyes are shaking’) his mother recalls, describing how his eyes began to shake, soon followed by his entire body. As the night wore on, their home was filled with worried cries from his siblings and mother, who had no idea what was happening to him.

A visit to the local clinic offered only temporary relief that evening. The following morning, they rushed Joseph to Tenwek Mission Hospital, where tests revealed a tumour. “The doctors said he needed surgery,” his mother shares with a heavy heart.

The diagnosis was accompanied by significant financial challenges. Following the surgery, Joseph was referred to Shoe4Africa within Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret for 30 sessions of radiotherapy. “We tried to raise money from friends, family, and well-wishers, but it was hard. Can you imagine it took us over a month to raise the funds needed for a CT scan which cost KES 8,000 (approximately $62),” his mother explains.

Through other parents at the hospital, they learned about Faraja Cancer Support Trust. With renewed hope, Joseph’s mother reached out. “I was warmly received by Gladys,” she says. “The process was simple, and soon, Faraja stepped in to cover 10 sessions of radiotherapy. Without their help, we would have gone home and waited, unable to complete the treatment.”

Faraja’s intervention provided more than financial relief; it gave the family hope. “When Joseph was sick, he was always sleeping and had to stay in the ICU. Now, he can talk, and he’s at home with us,” she says with gratitude.

Today, Joseph is on the path to recovery and excited to return to school next year. For his mother, his progress is nothing short of miraculous. “As a parent, you have to stay hopeful and prayerful. Usiseme umefika mwisho (don’t say you’ve reached the end). When you’re hopeful, your child feels your happiness, and it helps them heal.”

“To the Faraja family who made this possible, thank you. May God bless you abundantly.”

Faraja Cancer Support Trust: Making a Difference

Faraja Cancer Support Trust, through its childhood cancer programme, offers critical assistance to children like Joseph and their families. The Faraja Medical Support Fund (FMSF) provides financial aid to ensure that patients complete their treatment without financial barriers. The fund is entirely dependent on donor support, which directly impacts the lives of cancer patients.

Globally, 400,000 children under 19 are diagnosed with cancer annually. Kenya reports 3000 new childhood cancer cases annually, the number could be more since many go undiagnosed.  In low- and middle-income countries like Kenya, only 20% survive, compared to 80% in high-income countries. Early detection, timely intervention, and adequate treatment are key to improving these outcomes.

Through the FMSF and the Crafts for Cure programme, Faraja is transforming lives:

• Faraja Medical Support Fund (FMSF): Provides financial assistance to patients unable to afford treatment, supporting nearly 200 children since its inception.
• Crafts for Cure Programme: Offers psychosocial support to children with cancer at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). Key activities include:
• Music, art, play, and diversional therapy sessions.
• Weekly distribution of milk and apples to over 750 children.
• Parents’ support groups.
• Annual children’s parties, reaching 750 children with care packages and entertainment.

Impact of the Be Bold Go Gold Event

Last year’s Be Bold Go Gold event raised KES 9 million (approximately $61,000), enhancing Faraja’s childhood cancer programme. With the participation of nearly 2,000 people—70% of whom were schoolchildren—the funds have been allocated to support various initiatives. Some of these programs are already underway, while others are in the process of being implemented:

• Financial Support: In 2024, we have assisted 22 children to complete their cancer treatment, at a cost of KES 1.336 million (approximately $9,000).
• Expanded Reach: Last year, we hosted the first End-of-Year Celebration at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH), extending our support to a third centre in addition to KNH and Shoe4Africa-MTRH. See how it all unfolded here        
• Supportive Spaces: We are working towards creating a child-friendly space for children with extended hospital stays.
• Crafts for Cure Programme: Enhancements to include weekly art, music, and therapeutic play for bedridden children at KNH and MTRH, aiming to increase participation by 30-40%.

Gratitude

None of these achievements would have been possible without your support. Through individual donations, family contributions, and participation in the Be Bold Go Gold Walk/Run, you are making a tangible difference in the lives of children and families affected by cancer.

Thank you for being part of this life-changing journey. Together, we are building a future where every child with cancer has a chance to survive and thrive.