Alberton Record
Stepping Stone observes Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Stepping Stone Hospice & Care Services participated in an awareness campaign at the Mall at Newmarket in Alberton to raise awareness about childhood cancer, coinciding with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September.
Volunteers distributed pamphlets and ribbons while sharing their knowledge with shoppers to educate the community about this important issue.
Volunteer Irene Barnard from Stepping Stone Hospice stated, “We aimed to reach a broader audience, and this mall being one of the largest in Alberton provided an ideal platform.”
The team’s efforts resulted in meaningful interactions, including a reunion with Hroti Rotor, a cancer survivor who had spent six weeks in Stepping Stone’s palliative care unit.
Reflecting on his experience, Rotor expressed, “I had a positive experience at the hospice. The staff are caring, and though the journey is tough, they offer significant support.”
His personal encounter with cancer underscored the crucial need for support and awareness.
Furthermore, Stepping Stone Hospice utilized the opportunity to inform shoppers about their children’s unit, established to address the scarcity of paediatric palliative care facilities.
The unit features 10 beds, accommodations for parents, play areas, and study spaces, providing specialized care in a comforting setting.
There are various misconceptions surrounding childhood cancer. It is vital to be aware of the following facts:
- Children can develop cancer.
- Cancer is not contagious.
- One cannot contract cancer by interacting with or touching a cancer patient.
- Children can receive a cancer diagnosis regardless of their race or gender.
- Childhood cancer is a type of blood disorder, and no one is to blame for this illness.
- It is essential for families to openly discuss cancer.
- When making decisions regarding transfusions or amputations for a child’s survival, it is crucial to consult with family members.
- There are identifiable early warning signs and symptoms of childhood cancer.
Through raising awareness and educating the community, Stepping Stone aims to eliminate stigmas and encourage support for families impacted by childhood cancer.
The organization expressed gratitude to the Mall at Newmarket for hosting the event.
