Children's Cancer Research

Children’s cancer

 Brief description

The most common types in children are acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) and acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML). These leukaemia’s can cause bone and joint pain, fatigue, weakness, pale skin, bleeding or bruising, fever, weight loss, and other symptoms. In New Zealand, about 150 children (birth to 14 years) are diagnosed with cancer each year. Childhood cancer is rare - of all the newly diagnosed New Zealanders with cancer, 1 percent are children. More than 80 percent of patients diagnosed with a childhood cancer are cured as the result of treatment. An estimated 1 in 900 people aged between 16 and 34 years are childhood cancer survivors

Who’s affected by it?

Children, parents, family, friends, teachers, doctors, nurses,

Existing brands/companies/foundations based around children’s cancer

CanTeen –New Zealand 

“When cancer rocks a family, we’re there to support those aged 13-24. We connect young people with the support they need, from peers and professionals, to take the next step in life”. They sell bandanas so that anyone can show their support. The proceeds help CanTeen support the children going through cancer. Each year, they have a new selection of stylish bandanas to sell. “Our mission at CanTeen is to make sure no 13-24 year old ever fights cancer alone”.

“When you’re going through intense treatment in hospital, little things make a big difference. So you don’t need to stress over topping up your phone, getting to appointments or the food situation in your cupboard. Those are some of the things CanTeen takes care of. And because we get that no two situations are the same, we do our bit to take care of other things that fall through the cracks – like helping out with study or making sure professional counsellors are on hand if they’re needed.”

Their bandanas are found at counters in supermarkets and stores such as The Warehouse. They can also be found on the streets where CanTeen volunteers stand with coin buckets to either collect donations or sell bandanas.

Child Cancer Foundation

They give personalized support to each family through a one-to-one connection – someone who can help guide them every step of the way now, and in the future. They help with the big things like emotional, social and practical support. But also the little things they have probably never even thought about. Family Support Coordinators are there for families from the day of their child’s cancer diagnosis. There are 18 dedicated Family Support Coordinators nationwide, helping families across both islands and coasts. Many families will be supported by two coordinators – one at the treatment centre and one in their community – who work closely together to ensure the needs of the family are met no matter where they are based.

Essential care kits are given to each cancer patient. This is an excellent idea, and has the same aim as mine –to support the families, even if it’s something small.

“Essential care kits include little things that will have been forgotten in the rush to hospital and practical items to help during their stay and when they return home. Basics like toothbrushes and shampoo; a comforting blanket, pillow and books; details of the support Child Cancer Foundation provides, our Beads of Courage® program; along with hospital maps and fact-sheets, all packaged into a roller bag”.

They also have Entertainment Books for sale. These contain vouchers for a large variety of places that give discounts for movies, dinners, theme parks etc. I think this is an excellent idea, people buy these to get the discounts but to also donate and fundraise for children’s cancer. Everyone gets something, and that’s what I want to achieve also.

My aim is that children get beautiful handmade pieces of jewelry made from strangers with love and care, and their families get 50% of what was paid to make that piece of jewelry.

The Child Cancer Foundation’s Beads of Courage program is similar to my idea of a beading store however the foundation itself makes and gives the beads to the children. Whereas I want mine to be made by the public to show their support. Similar goals as CanTeen, but the public makes the items, it makes it more personal and sweet.