Shot in the arm for KidzCan

KidzCan Zimbabwe has  received a donation of ZWD750 000 from retail giant Pick n Pay, proceeds from the cupcake sales partnership which will go towards enhancing support for children suffering from cancer.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony KidzCan Executive Director Daniel Mackenzie said his organisation was happy with the kind gesture of corporate responsibility, which will go a long way in the provision of service to childhood cancer sufferers.

“We are grateful, we will continue to give practical expressions of love, care and responsibility, and strive to be accountable in the way we work.

Buoyed by this donation we will continue to provide different services that include clinical care, advocacy and case management. We provide Chemotherapy drugs, blood and blood products, CT and MRI Scans. Under supportive services, we source and provide prosthetics, admission and discharge packs.

We also provide transport allowances to patients and guardians to ensure they do not default on treatment,” said Mackenzie.

“Kidzcan conducts Paediatric Cancer Early Detection and Awareness Campaigns/Workshops to health professionals, schools, the media and various other publics. We advocate for subsidised private specialised medical/health services and promote paediatric oncology services within the public health system.

The organisation does not only help the patients themselves but also their caregivers. We also  provide individual and group counselling to children, parents and care givers,” said Mackenzie

Kidzcan is the only organization in Zimbabwe dedicated to increasing the survival rate of children with cancer.  There is currently no funding for paediatric oncology and as a result, Kidzcan supports the Ministry of Health and Child Care by providing essential and lifesaving services.

Kidzcan’s strategy is to work with clinicians in what is presently the only paediatric oncology A4 Special ward in the nation – housed at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare.

The Pick n Pay donation was raised through cupcake sales in the supermarket during the Orange month to celebrate Orange Day, an extension of the International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) that is celebrated on the 15^th day of February.

ICCD is a global collaborative campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, the survivors and their families.

Pick N Pay  Marketing Manager Paidamoyo Mhazo presented the cheque.