Help Poor Children with Cancer to Access Treatment

It is hard to believe that we are in April already. I hope that you and your family had a joyous Christmas and Easter.

We would like to give a big thank you to our local communities in Uganda who rallied during this period, and continue to provide much needed items such as food and clothing for the children at the hostel.

We have had the hostel at maximum capacity this year and it heartbreaking when families are unable to get the support, they need to enable their sick children to access cancer treatment.

Overview

No. of children stayed at hostel in 2024 - 116

Total no. of children cared for since inception (2016) - 874

No. of children passed away since inception - 324

No. in remission - 214

No. cured since inception (5yrs cancer free) - 40

What these figures do not reflect is the human tragedy that cancer brings to the children and their families. They cannot do it on their own and that is where we all come in, providing support, love, care and hope and pray that these children can have a future.

LittlexLittle

Join Us! From April 8 -12 April, if you donate up to US$50 you will help children with cancer from disadvantaged rural communities, to access treatment. And, @GlobalGiving will match your generosity at 50% for the #LittleByLittle campaign. 

Help us spread the word: share this campaign with your family and friends to let them know that BIG change can come from little acts of kindness! To donate go to:

Help Poor Children with Cancer to Access Treatment - GlobalGiving

This is why your support is so important……

Jovia is 18 and was raised by her mother. Jovia’s health issues began in 2017 when she experienced swelling and pain in her neck followed by stiffness. Despite seeking treatment at various health centres, relief was minimal.In 2018 her mother took her to a clinic as she suspected cancer. She was advised to seek further treatment at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). Jovia underwent tests at UCI, and a biopsy confirmed she had Nosal Pharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC).

In 2019, Jovia commenced chemotherapy at UCI, which required frequent travel from her village to the hospital. The financial burden of transport and medicines was an enormous stress for the family, until their doctor referred them to a social worker who was able to get them accommodation in the New Hope Children’s hostel.

The relief of having this support enabled them to concentrate on Jovia getting better.

“The hostel was very supportive, providing meals, accommodation, medication and transport for my hospital appointments. I also met other children who had cancer and it was helpful to talk to them.” Says Jovia.

During her stay, Jovia’s half-sister stayed with her at the hostel which enabled her mother to return home for work. Jovia completed six cycles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and she is now having six-month follow-up appointments at UCI.

“I am finally feeling ‘at home’.” she says.