September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Stories of courage, healing, and hope
September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shining a light on the courage of children fighting cancer, the resilience of their families, and the tireless efforts of healthcare teams who journey alongside them.
At Tygerberg Hospital, children are not defined by their diagnosis. They are fighters, dreamers, and survivors whose stories inspire hope. With access to modern therapies provided in paediatric oncology units, many childhood cancers can now be cured, offering families the promise of brighter tomorrows.
Prof Anel van Zyl, paediatric oncologist at Tygerberg Hospital, explains: “These days, most children with cancer can be cured by modern therapy given in a paediatric oncology unit. After treatment completion, it is important for survivors to attend a survivorship clinic to monitor their development and detect and manage any complications or so-called late effects of the cancer or its treatment.”
Stanton’s Story: A brave little fighter
Four-year-old Stanton Saaiman from Delft was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in January 2024. By then, the cancer had already spread to his bones and bone marrow. Despite the challenges, Stanton responded well to chemotherapy, took part in an innovative research study using targeted radioactive therapy, and bravely underwent surgery and radiotherapy.
This month, Stanton will complete his treatment and continue his journey at the Tygerberg Hospital childhood cancer survivorship clinic.
His mother, Alethia, recalls: “When I heard the words stage 4 cancer, my world collapsed. But Stanton was so strong that I decided never to cry again. His bravery gave us strength as a family. Today, we thank God, the doctors, and the community for carrying us through. In February, when we celebrated that he was cancer-free, we held hands as a family to thank God for His faithfulness.”
Zeviola’s Story: A Journey of strength and faith
Zeviola Newman, a 14-year-old from Bredasdorp, was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in October 2024 after her mother noticed swelling on her neck. Although the cancer had spread to her skeleton, she responded exceptionally well to chemotherapy. Zeviola completed treatment in April 2025 and is now in remission.
Her mother, Christina, shares: “Hearing the word ‘cancer’ shattered my world. But through prayer, support groups, and the care of the Tygerberg oncology team, we found hope again. My advice to parents: don’t ignore unusual symptoms, ask questions, and lean on others for support. Today, Zeviola is living healthy again, and we are deeply grateful.”
Awareness saves lives
Stories like Stanton’s and Zeviola’s remind us that while treatment brings hope, early diagnosis remains the key to saving lives.
Prof van Zyl adds: “Parents, caregivers, and the community should be alert to persistent symptoms such as unexplained fevers, weight loss, fatigue, pallor, or lumps and swellings. If a child shows signs like vision changes, bone pain, headaches, or persistent bleeding, they must be evaluated urgently. Early detection saves lives.”
How to access care
If your child shows any of the warning signs of childhood cancer, it is important to seek medical help without delay:
• Start by visiting your nearest clinic or family doctor for an initial check up.
• If further investigation is required, your child will be referred to a district or regional hospital.
• Children suspected of having cancer are referred to a specialist paediatric oncology unit, such as the one at Tygerberg Hospital, where diagnosis and treatment are provided.
Early referral and access to specialist care can save lives.
Turning awareness into action
This September, Tygerberg Hospital honours every child, parent, caregiver, staff member, and support organisation who continues to stand strong in the fight against childhood cancer. The gold ribbon, the international symbol of childhood cancer awareness, reminds us that every child’s life is precious.
Together, let us turn awareness into action, and action into hope.