Every Child Deserves a Fighting Chance.
Andrea Whatman is a cancer survivor who was diagnosed with cancer in 1980. Despite still fighting the disease herself, she had a passion for helping children with cancer and would volunteer at a Harare hospital, visiting young patients, reading to them, buying them toys, and cheering them up.
The story of KidzCan begins in the 1960s. At just ten years old, Andrea Whatman was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In an era where such a diagnosis was often a death sentence, doctors gave her only two months to live.
Against all odds, Andrea survived. Her recovery took nine grueling years of hospital stays and treatments. This personal battle didn’t just give her life; it gave her a unique, firsthand understanding of the “fear of the unknown” that grips every child entering a cancer ward. Decades later, she would realize that she was kept here for a specific purpose: to ensure no child had to walk that path alone. READ MORE
Meet our Founder
Leadership Grounded in Service
Today, KidzCan Zimbabwe stands as a testament to Andrea Whatman’s vision and dedication. The organisation continues to impact hundreds of lives each year through clinical support, counselling services, awareness programmes and advocacy initiatives.
Andrea’s journey — from survivor to founder — remains at the heart of KidzCan’s identity, inspiring a culture of commitment, integrity and hope for children with cancer across Zimbabwe.
Enhance Hungwe: The Boy Who Met the President
One of the most legendary stories in the KidzCan archives is that of Enhance Hungwe. As a young boy battling cancer, Enhance had a dream that many thought impossible: he wanted to meet the President of Zimbabwe. Andrea and the KidzCan team worked tirelessly to advocate for his wish, and against all odds, the meeting was granted. Enhance describes the experience as life-changing, noting that “it uplifted me as a childhood cancer survivor” and gave him the strength to keep fighting. Today, Enhance is a successful professional working in the diaspora. He recently returned to Zimbabwe for a surprise visit with Andrea, standing as a living testament to the fact that childhood cancer survivors can achieve anything they set their minds to.
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February Orange Month
To fulfill the mission of increasing childhood cancer survival rates in Zimbabwe, every moment and every resource counts. KidzCan works tirelessly on the frontline to prove that “there is a future”
Join us this February and donate what you can. You wear orange not only to raise vital awareness for the early warning signs of childhood cancer, but as a symbol of solidarity and hope. Your contribution ensures that no child faces this battle alone and that every young patient has the chance to survive and thrive.
Children – New patients supported in 2025
Families – Beneficiaries receiving transport assistance
Food Hampers – Distributed to families in need
Transfers – Hospital/RCV transfers facilitated
When a child is diagnosed with cancer in Zimbabwe, families face impossible choices: treatment or transport, medicine or meals. In 2025, KidzCan Zimbabwe supported 326 children through this journey, providing 464 families with transport assistance, 287 food hampers for nutritional support, and facilitating 874 critical transfers between hospitals and Rainbow Children’s Village—ensuring no family walks this path alone.
As a result of Andrea’s vision, KidzCan has evolved from a simple story-reading initiative into a robust, comprehensive support system for families across Zimbabwe. Today, the organisation is a cornerstone of childhood cancer relief, providing critical services that ensure a child’s journey is supported at every step:
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Essential Medications: Providing life-saving chemotherapy drugs that are often out of reach for many families
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Diagnostic Support: Funding vital tests and services to facilitate the early and accurate diagnosis essential to saving lives
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Psychosocial Care: Offering emotional and social support to help families navigate the immense trauma and challenges of a cancer diagnosis
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Advocacy and Awareness: Continuously educating the community on the warning signs of childhood cancers such as Wilm’s Tumour, Leukemia, and others to promote the life-saving potential of early detection
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Impact Stories
Empowering Frontline Health Workers
In partnership with the National AIDS Council and key stakeholders, two intensive two-day training workshops were held for healthcare workers in July and August.
read more
Golden Threads of Hope
Illuminating early detection in Zimbabwe’s fight against childhood cancer. Every September, the gold ribbon stands as a symbol of courage and hope.
read more
How Tamuka Beat Bilateral Retinoblastoma
At just three months old, Tamuka’s parents noticed a white glow in his eye, a seemingly harmless sign that led to a devastating diagnosis.
read more
International Childhood Cancer Day
February 15, 2026
KidzCan Offices at Rainbow Children’s Village
Hartmann House Fun Run
Join us for a fun-filled morning of running, walking, and raising awareness for childhood cancer.
March 8, 2026
Hartmann House
Husqvarna MudRun
Get muddy for a cause! Challenge yourself in this exciting obstacle course while supporting KidzCan.
April 5, 2026
TBA
Harare Golf Day
Swing for a cause at our annual golf day. Enjoy a day on the greens while making a difference.
April 11, 2026
Royal Harare Golf Club
our services
Clinical and Medical Support
KidzCan Zimbabwe provides direct medical assistance to children diagnosed with cancer by ensuring access to essential treatment and diagnostic care. This support helps bridge critical gaps within the public health system, enabling children to receive timely, life-saving cancer treatment regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
Case Management and Patient Navigation
KidzCan Zimbabwe coordinates each child’s cancer journey from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up, ensuring continuity of care and adherence to treatment. Through close collaboration with clinicians, caregivers and partner institutions, the organisation reduces treatment interruptions and helps families navigate complex medical and social challenges.
Psychosocial Support
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Accommodation and Transport Support
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At KidzCan every child matters
prescriptions
support calls kept families connected
Caregivers found strength in support groups
Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities
Partner with Us to Make a Difference
Gold Sponsorship
Become a Gold Sponsor and enjoy premium visibility at all events, including logo placement on promotional materials and exclusive networking opportunities.
Silver Sponsorship
Our Silver Sponsorship offers significant exposure with your brand featured prominently at select events and in our marketing campaigns.
Bronze Sponsorship
Support our cause as a Bronze Sponsor and receive recognition at events and on our website, showcasing your commitment to community impact.
Event Sponsorship
Choose specific events to sponsor, aligning your brand with targeted initiatives and engaging directly with our audience.
In-Kind Sponsorship
Contribute goods or services to our events and receive acknowledgment across our platforms, enhancing your brand’s community presence.
Custom Sponsorship
Work with us to create a tailored sponsorship package that meets your business objectives while supporting our mission.