Books Offer SA’s Young Blood Cancer Patients an Escape from Their Illness

Every year, over 460 South African children are diagnosed with blood cancer. As these kids spend a great deal of time in and out of hospital while dealing with this disease, they tend to feel isolated and also experience academic difficulties as a consequence of missing school. But reading books can provide them with an escape from days packed with medical treatments and doctors’ appointments while also equipping them with learning experiences that can be enjoyed anywhere – from their hospital beds and homes, to their classrooms.

This is according to Palesa Mokomele, Head of Community Engagement and Communications at DKMS Africa, which recently celebrated International Children’s Book Day by hosting read-and-play events at Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC) home-away-from-home accommodation facilities around the country. Hip-hop crew, Driemanskap; former Miss South Africa; Shudufhadzo Musida and founder of the #CountryDuty social movement, Tumi Sole all took time out of their days to read to the children residing at these homes, giving the patients a temporary respite from their daily fight.

CHOC Western Cape and Namakwa Regional Manager, Lynette Muthuray shares; “We are very happy to have commemorated International Children’s Book Day along with DKMS Africa. When children face this difficult journey, reading can take them to countries and places they’ve never been before, even while they’re in hospital oncology wards.”

“Books have the power to expand our imaginations and teach us valuable lessons. And while reading is important for every child, it can be a lifeline for those facing the toughest battles,” adds Mokomele.

The Driemanskap collective concludes by saying, “Blood cancer may weaken the body, but it will never weaken the spirit and determination of those who fight against it.”

With a blood stem cell transplant being these children’s best chance for survival, those between the ages of 17-55 years old who are in general good health, are encouraged to register to become blood stem cell donors at https://www.dkms-africa.org/register-now. Registration is completely free and takes less than five minutes to complete.