It’s safe to say that the day a parent hears that their child has cancer is probably the most unnatural day of their lives… From that day forward, nothing is the same. Most of us can’t even bear to face the thought, and luckily for the majority of us, we will never have to. But those that do face this diagnosis are truly the bravest of the brave, especially the ones at the heart of the battle; the young people who undergo treatment after treatment, fighting to survive.
These children and teenagers are standing on the frontlines facing the scariest journey that they will ever have to face. The fear, uncertainty, hospital visits and cycle of treatments all have a profound and lasting effect on these young warriors. For the parents and families, a completely different journey is beginning; one that is also steeped in fear and uncertainty, but one that includes the draining emotional weight of caring for the rest of the family, maintaining a household, even holding up a job – whilst carrying their child or teenager through an unchartered medical journey.
We were joined by many influential media and guests at our media launch at the beautiful Four Season’s Hotel on Thursday, 3rd February, a space so graciously sponsored to us. Bongi Archi, our incredible MC was the perfect fit to host the event, breaking into song and making sure it was a flip’n good day.
Everyone was welcomed by the CHOC staff and given an exciting media pack which included their very own pair of Plakkies, after all what is Flip Flop Day if you don’t have a pair to wear on the 18th of February! Thank you so much to Plakkie’s for this wonderful donation.
We started the formalities with Hedley Lewis, the CEO of CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA going into further detail about who CHOC is and what we do. “A non-profit organisation that advocates for the health and well-being of children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders and their families. The passionate and dedicated staff and volunteers of CHOC aim to save lives through early detection and comprehensive support programmes for the families affected by cancer. We offer, psychosocial, emotional and practical support as we augment the different medical fraternities.”
We were then joined on stage by the brave Xichavo Mhangani, an 18 year old, as well as the head of a child headed household. His mother passed away in 2018, when he was 16 years old. A huge responsibility fell on his shoulders, he needed to take care of his two younger siblings, before he received the horrific news that he has cancer. “The day I was diagnosed I cried, but there was no one to comfort me.”
We ended the formalities with Taryn Seegers, Communications Coordinator for CHOC telling us about Flip Flop Day! A chance for us South Africans to do what we do best – rally together behind a cause we believe in. We may never be able to walk in the shoes of those fighting childhood cancer, but we can certainly walk in pair of flip flops for a day to show them that we will never back down in the fight against childhood cancer.
So in a few easy steps this is how you, the voices of hope are able to make a difference:
We urge the rest of SA to purchase their stickers from a CHOC region, our website, or one of our awesome retail partners, PNA and Tekkie Town. Two brands who fit in so well with CHOC.
South Africa let us stand along side these families. Let us buy our stickers, wear our Flip Flops on Friday, 18th February, create awareness by tagging CHOC and most importantly raising funds.
Let us walk alongside these young heroes, locking arms with their families and holding steadfast in the face of uncertainty. Together, we can make a difference!
#FlipFlopDay
