By Daniel Mckenzie | Executive Director
Celebrating Survivorship: A Journey of Hope
This June, KidzCan embarked on an unforgettable journey of hope, strength, and triumph, culminating in the celebration of Childhood Cancer Survivors Day, held in two cities—Bulawayo and Harare—separated by 440 kilometres and a week apart. These celebrations brought together young cancer survivors and their families, and powerfully showcased KidzCan’s unwavering commitment to supporting children along their cancer journey.
In Bulawayo, ten resilient survivors and their caregivers came together in an intimate gathering to share stories of hope and endurance. A week later, in Harare, thirty courageous survivors and their loved ones assembled, filling the day with laughter, tears, and inspiration. Each story echoed a journey of pain and perseverance—culminating in life and healing. These events weren’t just celebrations—they were affirmations of life. They stood as powerful reminders that survivorship is possible, and that a future after childhood cancer is real and worth fighting for.
Survivors’ Day was a celebration of the progress being made in advancing childhood cancer care in Zimbabwe. It showcased not just medical victories but the psychosocial and emotional resilience of young warriors and their families. It was a moment to honour those who fought and won, and to remember those we have lost.
At KidzCan, our survivors are the reason we do what we do. Their smiles, their stories, their strength fuel our mission. We are deeply grateful to you—our GlobalGiving community—whose support makes these moments possible. You help us tell a new story in Zimbabwe, one filled with hope, healing, and the promise of a better tomorrow.
Program Summary2025 Childhood Cancer Survivors Day – Harare (28 June)
The event brought together 30 survivors and their families, featuring a variety of creative and therapeutic activities including:
- Journaling, Art Therapy, Games & Storytelling led by our team and supported by a clown to bring joy throughout the day.
- Keynote messages from healthcare professionals on resilience, wellness, and coping strategies after treatment.
- Inspiring testimonies from survivors and founding members, offering hope and encouragement to others.
- Support group discussions for survivors and caregivers, allowing for shared experiences and peer learning.
- Performance art by PICA to celebrate life through music and dance.
-Marimba performance with Vaima Arts Festival where the children and caregivers play
- Food hampers distributed to families as a gesture of solidarity and care.
The day ended with reflection, reconnection, and a reaffirmation of KidzCan’s mission: to walk beside every child on their cancer journey—toward healing, toward survival, and toward a brighter future.
Thank you to All at GlobalGiving for continuing to help make a difference to chlidhood cancer in Zimbabwe.
Let's get to 60% survival rate by 2030 together!
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