By Daniel Mckenzie | Executive Director
Dear GlobalGiving Donors and Friends,
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and at KidzCan Zimbabwe, we painted the country orange to raise awareness, inspire hope and remind communities that childhood cancer can be treated when children are diagnosed early and have access to the care they need.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who visited KidzCan, stood alongside us, raised awareness and supported our work throughout September.
A special thank you goes to everyone who contributed through our GlobalGiving fundraising campaigns, including the RuNyanga/Ruzawi Runner and the Johannsen Music Concert.
Your generosity helps us continue supporting children with cancer and their families through treatment, medicines, nutrition, accommodation, transport and essential supportive care.
Our September Newsletter captures the highlights of these activities and the many people who came together to make the month meaningful. We invite you to read it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_pPVyu6hDBRY7qAK_Iph4-kEeJyDybeC/view?usp=drive_link
Thank you for being part of our journey. Your support means so much to the children and families who depend on KidzCan.
A Story That Touched Our Hearts: Kelly's Journey of Courage and Hope
There is one story I felt especially compelled to share with you. It is the story of Kelly, a young girl whose journey reminds us why every act of kindness and every donation matters.
SHE LOST HER PARENTS. SHE FOUGHT CANCER. SHE FOUND HER RHYTHM.
In 2023, at just 10 years old, Kelly lost both her parents in a tragic accident. She was the only survivor.
In the midst of unimaginable grief, her aunt opened her home and her heart, giving Kelly a place to belong when her world had been turned upside down.
Then came another challenge.
A lump appeared on Kelly's neck. Her family sought help through different avenues, including traditional and faith-based healing, but the lump remained. Their journey eventually led them to Parirenyatwa Hospital, where they met the KidzCan Zimbabwe team.
The diagnosis was Hodgkin's lymphoma.
For a child who had already endured so much, this was another devastating blow. But this time, Kelly and her family were not alone. Through access to treatment, care and support, she had people standing beside her, determined to help her through this difficult journey.
Today, Kelly is 16 and in Form 4.
She plays the marimba beautifully. She dances. She dreams.
And in 2026, she was crowned Best Dancer.
Just look at her now. Beyond the diagnosis and the hardship, there is a young girl learning, growing, discovering her talents and embracing the possibilities of her future.
Kelly's story is a powerful reminder that childhood cancer is not the end of a child's story. With timely treatment, support and care, there can be so much more to come.
Your Generosity Helps Make Stories Like Kelly's Possible
For Kelly, the support she received meant more than financial assistance.
It meant another birthday.
Another school year.
Another song.
Another dance.
Another chance at the future.
Every donation to KidzCan Zimbabwe helps us stand beside children and their families through the challenges of childhood cancer. From helping families reach hospital and access essential medicines to providing accommodation, nutrition and psychosocial support, your generosity helps remove barriers that might otherwise interrupt a child's treatment and recovery.
To every GlobalGiving donor, partner and friend who stands with KidzCan Zimbabwe, thank you for helping children live beyond cancer and giving families reasons to keep hoping.
Kelly's is one story among many. Across Zimbabwe, children and their families continue to face the challenges of diagnosis, treatment and care. Many still need help to access the services that give them the best possible chance of a future.
Together, we can help more children receive the care they need and give more families the support they deserve.
Give hope. Support a child. Help save a life.
Links:
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
