What We Do

Throughout lesser developed countries, particularly in more remote communities there is little understanding of the warning signs of severe illness like cancer. Local health care workers lack training. People often rely on their trusted local healers for advice and cures.

Early and accurate diagnosis is CRITICAL to a child’s survival. There simply are not enough Pathologists in Sub-Saharan Africa. The turnaround time for the diagnosis is often weeks versus a few days in more developed countries. Accurate diagnosis is often lacking. Cancer may be identified, but the type of cancer is key to the medical protocol for a cure.

It is always encouraging to see children come to the clinic for help. It is deeply saddening to see their families abandon treatment mid-stream. From the moment of diagnosis through treatment, there are numerous hurdles families face. Transportation, housing, nutrition, social pressures, lack of psychosocial support and lack of regular direct communication with clinics are some of the key reasons why families abandon treatment.