Save the lives of children with cancer in Zimbabwe

Dear Friends of Kidzcan, 

To end of an incredibly challenging yet rewarding 2014 we want to honour our heroes. 

We are witness to them regularly at Kidzcan. On the wards, in the form of a doctor, a nurse, a member of Parirenyatwa staff, a young patient, a caregiver, a volunteer. Off the ward they are people who selflessly share their expertise, contacts, business services and goods, money, time, to give children “the right to the fight” to survive cancer. 

What exactly is a hero? Searching online, this particular definition found on www.hero-central.com seemed apt: “A hero: An individual, organization, or entity that is motivated by a shared sense of the public good, who takes responsibility for the life and circumstances of those around them, and whose actions or efforts improve the circumstances of others and defends against hostile forces, regardless of risk to self and without thought of personal gain.”

The children struggling to survive cancer always remain our greatest of heroes, but in addition, this year alone our heroes have included among them: 

• The 16 year old student who garnered support from her friends, family and school community to sponsor her run in aid of Kidzcan; 
• The couple based in Dubai who, as part of their own journey with cancer, coordinated a marathon run. Their fundraising supporters spanned continents (she finished the marathon in third place!);
• The group of friends who organized a Spring Ball that has brought on new and varied supporters; 
• The women who knitted beautiful soft teddy bears for the children; 
• The pharmaceutical company who stepped up with a significant monthly recurring donation of chemotherapy medicines as well as another one that has committed to providing hand sanitizer and soap to improve hygiene practices on the wards; 
• The 10 year old who forfeited birthday gifts from his friends and family - instead asking each to bring funds to donate to Kidzcan;
• The scores of students from schools across the nation who have raised funds or donated goods - including the youngest children from nursery schools sharing their beautiful toys and beloved stuffed animals with the children on the wards this Christmas; 
• And, our heroes who have loyally supported Kidzcan’s work for many years. They know who they are; we hope they know how much they are appreciated. 

We are truly grateful to all the heroes who “try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” (Maya Angelou) 

We thank you. Happy Holidays.