Young cancer patients celebrate slipper day at Bara Hospital

Some Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital young patients and their parents gathered at the Zakhithi Nkosi Oncology play area to celebrate their bravery and fight against a life-threatening illness during a Slipper Day event on May 30.

Hosted by the Reach For A Dream Foundation alongside the Gauteng Department of Health and the hospital, the event brought joy to about 30 young patients who spent the day in their slippers.

The Gauteng regional manager for the foundation, Louisa Molisa, said, “For the past 36 years, Reach For A Dream has fulfilled dreams for children with illnesses such as cancer, heart conditions and organ failure.

ALSO READ: Paediatric burns unit launched at Baragwanath Hospital

Each day, the foundation brings more than six dreams to life – whether it’s meeting a role model, receiving a long-hoped-for gift, or experiencing the joy of a dream destination for the first time. These moments offer relief, inspiration, and the courage to keep dreaming.”

Molisa added that this year’s theme, Do It For The Dreamers, is aimed at bringing hope to young patients, regardless of their current health status.

“At the end of the day, these are our children with dreams, and they deserve all the love they can get, no matter their condition.

“We had a magical day filled with activities, including a reading session by the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. The session was informative, and the children loved it.

ALSO READ: Gauteng Health MEC visits newborn babies at Baragwanath Hospital

“We also hosted dance challenges to uncover hidden talents and encourage fun as they cheered one another on,” Molisa said.

The annual event is held in hospitals across Gauteng, focusing on paediatric wards in an effort to bring back children’s smiles.

Bara Hospital CEO Dr Nthabiseng Makgana took part in the day’s activities and celebrated her birthday with the children.

“Today is a dream come true. We are doing it for the dreamers. We get to care for children who are here for long periods – this hospital is essentially their home. This is our way of saying we want them to enjoy the day.

You can imagine what it’s like to always be in the ward, connected to drips, having blood taken, and enduring daily pain.

ALSO READ: Partnership helps bring smiles among children Baragwanath Hospital

“So today, we want them to have fun with the activities we’ve prepared—so they remember that despite the pain, they are still children, and the world still has so much to offer,” Makgana said.

“Celebrating my birthday with them was a dream come true for me. I’m passionate about children, and that’s what inspired me to spend the day with them.

“This event warms my heart because these are children who live with constant pain, and some carry the added pain of seeing their friends pass away in the same wards.

“I wish more of us could be like children. They don’t focus on the small things like we do. They always forgive and choose to see the good in life.

ALSO READ: Gauteng Health responds shortage of clean linen at Baragwanath Hospital

“Today, they’re here having fun, forgetting the pain they’ve felt, the stories they’ve heard, and the friends they’ve lost in this very space. This day continues to remind us to live in the moment and appreciate the small, positive things life has to offer.”

The day ended on a high note, with the children enjoying lunch, engaging in activities, and taking pictures with the Mickey and Minnie Mouse mascots.