CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa

CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa is the leading childhood cancer organisation in the country and the only foundation providing comprehensive, country-wide support to children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders, and their families. Founded in 1979 by parents in Johannesburg who recognised the urgent need for family-centred support following a childhood cancer diagnosis, CHOC became a national body in 2000. Today, CHOC operates across South Africa through regional offices in the Northern Region (Pretoria), Gauteng South (Johannesburg), KwaZulu-Natal (Durban), Free State & Kalahari (Bloemfontein), Eastern Cape (East London and Gqeberha), and Western Cape & Namaqua (Cape Town). CHOC’s primary objective is to support children, teenagers, and their families throughout the often lengthy and complex treatment journey by addressing emotional, practical, educational, and psychosocial needs. CHOC Programmes and Services Psychosocial Support (Professional Emotional Support): CHOC employs a dedicated team of social workers and social auxiliary workers who provide full-time psychosocial support within Paediatric Oncology Units, from diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, or bereavement. This includes counselling, crisis intervention, and grief support for parents and families. Emotional Support (Family and Peer Support): Trained volunteers provide ongoing emotional support to children and families through hospital visits, parent support groups, survivor support initiatives, the Parent-Supporting-Parent Programme, and parent teas. Where hospital schooling is unavailable, CHOC facilitates an Interactive Learning Programme to ensure educational continuity. Each year, CHOC hosts national Remembrance Services in November to honour and remember children and teenagers who have passed away. Accommodation Support: CHOC provides safe, fully supported accommodation close to treatment centres for out-of-town patients and a parent or caregiver. These facilities offer accommodation, meals, transport to and from hospitals, and essential practical support at no cost, easing the financial and emotional burden on families while fostering a nurturing community environment. Transport Assistance: Given the frequency and duration of specialised treatment, transport costs can be a significant barrier to care. CHOC assists families with transport funding to ensure treatment adherence and continuity, helping prevent abandonment of care due to financial hardship. Practical Support: CHOC provides CHOC Carebags to newly diagnosed children and teenagers, nutritional support such as food parcels and packed meals, refreshments at clinics, and small bereavement gifts to support families during times of loss. Awareness, Education and Training: CHOC raises awareness of childhood cancer nationally through campaigns, events, and community engagement, promoting early detection and reducing stigma. The organisation also delivers training on Early Warning Signs of childhood cancer to healthcare professionals, healthcare workers, traditional healers, and community members to improve early diagnosis, access to specialised treatment, and health outcomes. Advocacy and Policy Engagement: CHOC advocates for the rights and needs of children affected by cancer and blood disorders through national and international partnerships. The organisation works closely with the National Department of Health and other stakeholders to influence policies that improve childhood cancer care and outcomes in South Africa. Education Programme: CHOC recognises that a childhood cancer diagnosis should not mean the end of a child or teenager’s education. Through its Education Programme, CHOC helps ensure continuity of learning during treatment, hospitalisation, and extended periods away from school. Where hospital schools are unavailable or limited, CHOC facilitates access to interactive learning initiatives, including digital learning solutions, educational resources, and support for hospital-based education environments. These programmes help children and adolescents maintain routine, cognitive development, and a sense of normality during treatment. By supporting education alongside medical care, CHOC safeguards each child’s right to learn, supporting long-term development, reintegration into school life, and hope for the future.