THE Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC) is calling on East Londoners to aid children with cancer for International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) on February 15.
As a global initiative to raise awareness of childhood cancer and to show support for children with cancer, survivors and their families, CHOC is asking South Africans – including those resident in East London – to “Have a Heart for Children with Cancer”.
Known as the “Blue Drive”, the annual campaign will have CHOC calling on schools, businesses and community groups to join in wearing blue with the ICCD badge or heart pin on February 15.
CHOC regional manager Debbie Kleinenberg said: “In previous years we have had amazing support from schools and businesses and hope that this year is no different.”
CHOC EL staff will be at Hemingways Mall on February 10 and 11 where the public can buy CHOC merchandise such as badges and heart chocolates for only R10 each.
“We will also be at the robots at the corner of Old Transkei Road and Hudson Avenue to hand out awareness flyers and I will be interviewed on Link FM, along with one of our patients, on February 15.”
As the only organisation in the country that provides nationwide comprehensive support to children with cancer and their families, CHOC aims to improve the survival rate by creating awareness of the early warning signs of childhood cancer.
Creating awareness allows for early detection and diagnosis and can enable a better chance of being cured and an increase in the survival rate.
“We invite the community to join the ‘blue drive’ and raise much-needed funds for CHOC.”
For information on CHOC and their mission to create awareness on International Childhood Cancer Day, visit the website at www.choc.org.za or contact the CHOC EL branch at el@choc.org.za or on 086-111- 2109.