To mark International Childhood Cancer Day on Saturday 15 February, the Tygerberg Hills Lions Club hosted a Big Walk in Monte Vista in support of children suffering from this disease, and their families.
The event started at 09:00 with the walk starting at the Grace Presbyterian Church in Barrow Street, before moving to Camoens Park.
Jeannie van Wulven, Lions Club member, says cancer is one of Lions Club’s international pillars of service.
She says last year the Lions Multiple District (West and East) decided to have childhood cancer awareness walks, with a few clubs hosting events. This year the Lions Club decided to host walks again on 15 February, which coincided with International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day.
“The Tygerberg Hills Lions Club decided to host a walk this year to raise awareness for childhood cancer. Many families including myself have had a child who was very fortunate to survive. My son Deon was 16 years old at the time. He had osteosarcoma and is a healthy 36-year-old man, and also a member of the Lions Club,” Van Wulven says.
On Saturday various Lions Clubs hosted awareness walks, including in Table View, Muizenberg, Paarl, Fish Hoek and Athlone.
The Tygerberg Hills Lions Club decided to invite Arms of Mercy, a non-profit organisation (NPO), to attend their event. The NPO sells bracelets to raise funds for families and children affected by cancer.
Van Wulven says they hope to continue next year to raise awareness for childhood cancer. “We are grateful to the Grace Presbyterian Church who allowed us to use their facilities for the morning, and the walk on Camoens Park in Monte Vista.”
Cancer statistics
This year’s theme for International Childhood Cancer Day is “Inspiring Action”, which emphasises the necessity of collective efforts to eliminate disparities and to ensure that all children have access to the care they deserve, the National Department of Health, World Health Organisation, South African Association of Paediatric Haematology Oncology (Saapho) and Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa (CHOC), says in a joint media statement.
The WHO estimates that more than 400 000 children are diagnosed with cancer globally each year. In South Africa, around 1 000 new cases are recorded annually by the South African Children’s Tumour Registry, the statement reads.
Early detection
Furthermore, the statement reads that early detection is essential for saving lives. Parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers must recognise the warning signs, which include:
- A white spot in the eye or sudden blindness;
- a lump or swelling in any part of the body, especially the stomach;
- unexplained fever or weight loss;
- persistent bone pain or easy fractures, difficulty walking, changes in coordination, or severe headaches (sometimes with vomiting).
