POLOKWANE – For a child with cancer and their family, every minute is precious. Most of us go through life without thinking about the immediate future.

Since 2010, Nelson Mandela’s birthday, July 18, is known as Nelson Mandela International Day. For the past 16 years, South Africans have spent at least 67 minutes, one for every year Mandela spent fighting for human rights and equality, to give back to the community.

The Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC) exists to support families where a child has been diagnosed with cancer or a life-threatening blood disorder. This support extends from the time of diagnosis until the patient is in remission or passes away.

This year, Choc reached out to the community to turn their 67 minutes into comfort, care and hope for children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or a life-threatening blood disorder, and their families.

Under the campaign message, ‘For you, it’s 67 minutes. For them, it’s everything.‘ CHOC is encouraging readers to support families facing childhood cancer through meaningful acts of kindness, practical donations and volunteer work.

For many CHOC families, the cancer journey extends far beyond the hospital walls. Families in Limpopo, especially, often have to travel long distances for treatment and spend weeks away from their homes. In most instances, the mother travels alone with the child and often has to face emotional and financial strain while trying to care for their children or teenagers.

Lawrence Mbuyane, chief social worker at CHOC, says every family’s journey through childhood cancer is different.

“One thing remains the same: no family should have to walk this journey alone. Mandela Day reminds us that even the smallest act of kindness can bring comfort and relief during an incredibly difficult time. Whether it is a warm meal, safe accommodation, transport to treatment, or essential daily items, these acts of support help families focus on what matters most: their child’s wellbeing and healing.”

South Africans can help to make this journey a little lighter.

Supporters can get involved by donating essential items, supporting CHOC House wishlists, volunteering time, hosting collection drives, or help to raise awareness around childhood cancer.

Mandela Day reminds us that even the smallest act of kindness can make a meaningful difference in the life of a child and their family. For many of our families, support means more than practical assistance. It means knowing they are seen, cared for, and not facing the childhood cancer journey alone.” said Eugene Subban, chairman of CHOC South Africa.

Throughout Mandela Month, CHOC regions across South Africa will host various activations, community initiatives and partnership events aimed at mobilising support for children and teenagers affected by childhood cancer.

Every meal shared, every donation made, every volunteer hour and every act of support helps create moments of comfort, dignity and hope for CHOC families during incredibly difficult circumstances.

At CHOC, they believe Mandela Day is about coming together as communities and using what we have to make a real difference where it is needed most.

You can support the campaign by:

• Donating wishlist items.
• Volunteering their time.
• Hosting collection drives.
• Making financial contributions to support CHOC programmes and services.

Wishlist:

• Tin food.
• Dry food.
• Fresh produce.
• Cleaning supplies.
• Non-perishables.
• Carebag items.

The SILUAN Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer:

S – Seek medical help early for ongoing symptoms.
I – Eye signs like a white spot in the eye, new squint, sudden blindness or bulging eyeball.
L – Lump on the stomach, pelvis, head, arms, legs, testicle or glands.
U – Unexplained fever present for over two weeks, weight loss, fatigue, pale appearance, easy bruising and bleeding.
A – Aching bones, joints, back and easy fractures.
N – Neurological signs, a change in walk, balance or speech, regression, continuous headaches with or without vomiting and an enlarged head.

To learn more about CHOC’s Mandela Day campaign and how to get involved, visit: CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa.