CHOC ? CHILDHOOD CANCER FOUNDATION SA

CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA is the only organisation in South Africa that provides comprehensive countrywide support for children with cancer and other life-threatening blood disorders, and their families. CHOC was established in 1979 as a support group to parents of children with cancer, by parents of children with cancer. Having experienced the immense emotional and financial toll that cancer takes they recognised there is more than one victim in the family of the child with cancer. Their aim was to ease the burden on parents facing the same journey by providing access to relevant, accurate information, as well as emotional and practical support.

Top Projects:

• Transport from home and to the hospital for out-patients and patients discharged from the ward.
• Psycho-social support in the POU Ward for parents and siblings to help develop the necessary coping mechanisms;
• Facilitation of parent support groups;
• Practical support in the form of clothing, basic necessities not on hand or not affordable for the family and food parcels for those assessed to be in crisis, including bereavement support;
• Referral opportunities for additional family support;
• Community awareness and early detection education;

A Success Story: As told by Desire van Deventer (mom of Brendon)

In January 2016 Brendon Oberholzer suffered from severe abdominal pain and cramping. He experienced numerous allergic reactions like watery and swollen eyes, itchy skin, and dry coughs. He was tired all the time. He started looking pale, almost yellow. Other symptoms included joint pains, diarrhoea, weight loss, vomiting, and nausea, bloody and tarry looking stools. Brendon was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in November 2016, but his suffering continued as did the doctor’s visits, innumerable medications, various medical tests, and loads of financial and psychological stress for the whole family.

In February 2017, Brendon landed up in hospital with severe abdominal pain, weight loss, anemia, loss of appetite and after numerous medication and tests doctors discovered an ileocecal intussusception, which is when the bowel wall distends and obstructs the lumen. Intussusception also cuts off the blood supply to the part of the intestine that’s affected, which can lead to a tear in the bowel, infection and death of bowel tissue.

He was immediately rushed to theatre for an emergency operation as the paediatric surgeon explained that this only happens in rare cases for children his age.

A biopsy and histology was done at the same time. He spent several days in ICU and on Monday 27th February 2017 we received the news that Brendon had been incorrectly diagnosed the year prior and he does not have Crohn’s. We heard the news that no parent wants to hear. He was diagnosed with High grade B-cell Lymphoma Cancer. Burkitt lymphoma is a cancer of mature B-lymphocytes. It is a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a type of cancer that originates in cells of the immune system, called lymphocytes.

He was admitted to the Paediatric Oncology Ward in Port Elizabeth on 28th February and underwent various tests to ascertain whether the cancer had spread. Fortunately tests showed that it had not, but a CT Scan of his chest showed an enlarged thymus gland that the doctors wanted to perform a biopsy on so that they could ensure that he was put on the correct Chemotherapy Treatment – this was done at the same time that a Broviac line was inserted.

Three hours of Thymectomy surgery, and line insertion, Brendon spent another few days in ICU and then caught pneumonia. He then spent another week or so in hospital to get strong for his first Chemotherapy.

He was scared of losing his beautiful blonde hair so he decided we are going wild... yes we rainbow coloured his hair just before his first chemo. Remarkably he took his first 6 continual days of chemo like a pro. With almost zero side effects. But 1 week after chemo his hair started falling out in patches and he was devastated but our community was so supportive and the hats started pouring in – delivered by people from all walks of life. We were so overwhelmed by everyone's calls, messages, Whatsapps from all over South Africa.

He started recording videos of his journey that inspired so many people but most of me as a mother, his mother. Times when I felt like I'm going to lose it... he was strong. Brendon would say “Don't worry Mommy! God is with me. I'll be OK.”

I am incredibly proud to be a mother of a child with cancer because Brendon has surpassed any and all expectations I could ever have had of him before he was diagnosed.

Cancer is not a curse, despite what people may think. Yes, sometimes little heroes get their wings earlier than WE, as parents, but God knows that their work here is done. Even if you as a parent are unable to see what your child has done, I can assure you that they have absolutely changed the lives of everyone who was lucky enough to be around them. Every child with cancer has exactly the same thing in common. They are changing the world and bringing love and admiration wherever they go.

This has been the most incredible journey of our lives, and we wouldn't change it for the world.

Brendon received his last scheduled chemo on Easter weekend and has been in remission since September 2017. He goes for monthly check-ups. It is virtually impossible to be a strong parent unless we have others like CHOC who will hold space for us. Even the strongest... need to know that there are some people with whom they can be vulnerable and weak without fear of being judged. CHOC was absolutely amazing with their help and support. We had volunteers visit our family and explain the proceedings with Brendon throughout his journey.

CHOC organised accommodation at Tygerberg and their help was unbelievable. We as a family will be forever grateful to CHOC for all they did for us and for what they continue to do for so many precious children. CHOC gave us hope through our cancer journey and still today 4 months after being in remission CHOC still supports us monthly. We are truly blessed!

 Statistics:

In developed countries, childhood cancer has become largely curable with the overall survival rate reaching between 70% and 80% whereas in South Africa the rate is approximately 55%. In the Eastern Cape this statistic is far lower at 27%. CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA aims to improve this rate by creating awareness of the early warning signs of childhood cancer.   Early detection of childhood cancer affords early diagnosis enabling a better chance of being cured and an increase in the survival rate. On average PE currently support 50 children per week who are receiving regular treatment at the hospital. East London support 200 patients either on treatment or maintenance. The CHOC House in East London can accommodate 20 people.

A list of your needs:

Port Elizabeth: toiletries for care bags, food items for food parcels, plastic toys (dolls, cars, lego), puzzles and books, shelving for the PE office and a locker/ cupboard that can lock for hospital kitchen to pack our supplies in.

East London: toiletries for care bags, wool and material for mom’s skills classes and food items for the CHOC Houses

Contact person: 

Lynne Gadd-Claxton; Branch coordinator

086 111 2110

079 037 5837

Physical Address:

Corner Lenox & Conyngham Street

Glendinningvale

Port Elizabeth

54 Edge Road

Beacon Bay

East London

Banking Details:

Account name:                    

CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation PE Branch

Bank:                                          

Standard Bank

Account Number:              

083822216

Branch Code:                        

007205

Account type:                       

Savings

Reference:                               

Algoa Cares