Children affected by cancer are set to receive treatment from proceeds of the 31st Gertrude’s Charity Golf Tournament, which took place at the Muthaiga Golf Club.
The event, attended by avid golfers, philanthropists, and other supporters, raised funds for the Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation Cancer program that will be applied to benefit these children.
The Kenya Childhood Cancer Program, launched by Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation in 2019, supports screening and early diagnosis of childhood cancer, treatment, and training of healthcare workers. The Foundation operates in Kenya with programs across ten counties.
Over the past year, the cancer program has seen immense impact, with over 40 children benefiting thanks to the support and generous donations from corporate donors from last year’s golf tournament and the recent charity walk.
“Most children in this country who have cancer are not able to complete treatment when they start; we need to find ways to raise the needed funds to support their treatment. We started this initiative upon the realization that only 30% of the children diagnosed will complete treatment, with only 20% of them surviving. In comparison, developed countries like the US have better outcomes where 100% of children with cancer will get diagnosed and close to 90% will get cured [remission],” said Dr. Robert Nyarango, the CEO of Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital.
“We are working with many partners – including public hospitals – to increase diagnosis and ensure all children that develop cancer [currently about 3,000 per year] are diagnosed and placed on a treatment program as we aim to improve treatment outcomes. It is our wish that at least 80% will get cured [remission].”
Since its inception, key achievements of the Kenya Childhood Cancer Program include training 200 healthcare Professionals in four different counties across Kenya, i.e. Garissa, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Nyeri. Plans have commenced to extend the training in five counties – Baringo, Homabay, Lamu, Narok, and Samburu.
Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital remains committed to making a significant impact on the lives of children affected by cancer and their families. The organization encourages ongoing support from individuals and corporations who share their vision of diagnosing and treating over 1,000 children by the end of 2024 and many more in the future.
“Let us partner to help children, who are our future, fight cancer. Let us walk this journey together,” said Dr. Carol Waweru, the program manager at Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation.
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