Dance challenge hits social media by storm

The “Jerusalema” dance challenge took social media by storm this week.

Professor David Reynders, head of the Steve Biko paediatric oncology ward, who has been working closely with Childhood Cancer Foundation (CHOC) initiated the #JerusalemaDanceChallenge at the facility to show their support to children with cancer.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and is symbolised by a gold ribbon, worn to commemorate the event.

The healthcare workers at Steve Biko paediatric oncology danced this famous anthem from South African musician master KG, featuring the voice of South African songstress Nomcebo.

Ina Schomper of (CHOC) said it is time to shine the light on the realities of childhood cancer.

ALSO READ: Thousands raised for Choc on Jammin in Jammies day

The CHOC team has launched a golden collection of attractive black and gold merchandise which can be purchased in support of comprehensive support of families of kids with cancer and life-threatening blood disorders.

“Paint your lives gold with must-have face masks, buffs, shirts, socks, bags and wristbands, today,” Schomper said.

“September emphasises the importance of life-saving research, and to join together to make a difference for children diagnosed. It is the opportunity for us to raise support, funding and awareness of childhood cancers and the impact on those children and teenagers and their families.

“We urge South Africans to join hands in order to get in touch and help save the many lives of children diagnosed with cancer.

“CHOC also handed out a total amount of R133 304 in financial transport support to 1 572 children and caregivers at Steve Biko academic hospital,” she said.

Reynders said that despite the workload and at times emotionally draining circumstances, they still get time to dance and celebrate the lives of the little heroes that they have the privilege of treating.

“Our hope is that it will bring awareness of childhood cancer in this month.”

“Child cancer can be beaten, if detected early it can be cured and they can go on and live normal lives,” she said.

“We must, however, understand the treatment is hard and can have a major impact on families. We need to be able to stand together as a community and offer support in this winnable fight,” said Reynders.

Reyders said that the most common form of cancer diagnosed under children, is leukaemia followed by brain tumours, the third most common cancer is nephroblastoma (kidney cancer).

ALSO READ: Chocolate and coconut clusters

“Childhood cancer is a largely curable disease and one can expect a 75 – 80% cure rate. This is the case if it is detected early,” she said.

“Sadly though this is often not the case and we see children present with late-stage disease which makes a finding a cure difficult or not possible.

“It is hard to define single moments as most memorable although when I have opportunity to see and hear about children that have beaten cancer it fills me with immense pride to know that I have played a small part in their lives.

“The saddest and most devastating moments are when children present with delayed diagnosis and we are not able to offer the outcome that we could have if they had only presented earlier,” said Reynders.

Reynders has been working and running the paediatric oncology ward at Steve Biko academic hospital since its inception in 2009.

“The unit is one of the largest in South Africa and caters for children with cancer and haematological disorders from northern Gauteng, Mpumalanga and parts of Limpopo. We also manage several patients from other countries such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Swaziland,” she said.

“I have a special interest in haematopoietic stem cell transplant and currently Steve Biko is the only public hospital that offers this treatment option to children.

“Through vital awareness-raising activities we hope to increase mindfulness of cancer in children with the hope that children will have better and more rapid access to life-saving treatment. It is also important to make the public aware of the impact of cancer on families and the importance of the support of the family unit as a whole.

“This is where the work of CHOC is so valuable in offering transport, accommodation and psychosocial support to both the children and their families,” said Reynders.

Schomper said that CHOC is grateful for people like Reynders who has a heart and passion for children living with cancer.

“Without their support, creating cancer awareness would have not been possible. We value each and everyone’s support.

“Walk the journey with us this month and jump in and support our children,” Schomper said.

Watch the video:

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:

Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram