Chica the Bear brings smiles all around
Childhood Cancer Awareness Day commemorated
On World Childhood Cancer Awareness Day (15 February), Liberty Namibia handed over the proceeds of the first “Chica the Bear” campaign hosted in 2022, to the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN).The amount totals N$100 000 and is earmarked for the CHICA Financial Assistance Programme, through which CAN supports childhood cancer patients in financial need.
Speaking at the handover, the managing director of Liberty Namibia, Monique Cloete, said that she is honoured and privileged to know that her company is making a small contribution that will hopefully have a big impact.
“Children who are fighting cancer and their families need that extra love and that extra care that the Cancer Association provides. Chica the Bear represents exactly that. That extra little bit of attention, that extra little bit of cuddling love that the Cancer Association makes possible for so many children, especially through CHICA House which provides accommodation to childhood cancer patients and their mothers during their treatment journey here in Windhoek.”
She said the Chica the Bear campaign was launched on 15 February 2022 in a bid to establish an initiative that can become a household name across Namibia and create the same kind of awareness for children fighting cancer that Pink October and Movember does for adults.
“Our beautiful little bear can also help bring this message home throughout the year while helping to speak to children about what cancer is. From introducing our brave new little Namibian bear to the public to telling Chica’s story of love and hope and visiting schools and other organisations, we already brought happiness to thousands of children.”
Deeper understanding
Speaking on behalf of CAN, chief executive Rolf Hansen said that World Childhood Cancer Day promotes increased appreciation and deeper understanding of issues and challenges relevant to childhood cancer and impacting on children/adolescents with cancer, the survivors, their families, and society.
“It also highlights the need for more equitable and better access to treatment and care for children with cancer, everywhere. In Namibia, five children are now newly diagnosed with a form of cancer every week (i.e., on average 240 new childhood cancer cases annually at current).”
He said that leukaemia remains the most frequently diagnosed childhood cancer globally, including in Namibia, with very high numbers of neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma and brain tumours following.
Common warning signs include chronic fatigue/lethargy, blotched skin, chronic bloodshot or hazy eyes, a sudden bump/lump that won’t heal, a bruise or cut that won’t heal, continuous pain and fever that doesn’t dissipate.
“Psychosocial support for families afflicted by a childhood cancer diagnosis in their inner circle is critical – especially since cancer is generally diagnosed in adults rather than children and we often see the relationship between the parents buckling,” Hansen said.
CHICA
To strengthen the support for families fighting a form of adolescent cancer, CAN established the CHICA Interim Home for out-of-town childhood cancer patients to have safe accommodation while receiving treatment in Windhoek.
CAN also continuously supports the Ward 8 West Paediatric Oncology Ward at Windhoek Central Hospital.
Patients and families can also contact the Family Support Centre and Standard Bank Circle of Hope programme at the Cancer Association of Namibia for psychosocial and financial support.
“Today we are thankful to Liberty Namibia who has been a staunch supporter of the CHICA programme the last couple of years and today hands over N$100 000 to CAN. Liberty has again shown their commitment to supporting families afflicted by childhood cancer through the Chica the Bear fundraising drive that aims to create awareness of paediatric oncology and to raise the needed funds to keep our CHICA Interim Home operational and the CHICA Financial Assistance Fund healthy.”
Order now!
New orders for Chica the Bear are welcome, and along with this, there are beautiful and warm Chica the Bear children’s beanies that you can order for the coming winter, and beautiful keyrings and buttons to always keep Chica the Bear close to you.
“And we have more surprises coming throughout the year!” Cloete concluded.
Place your order here: https://chicanamibia.com/