KnowTheGlow’s Co-Founder, Megan Webber, had the pleasure of meeting with Hedley Lewis, CEO of CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA and one of the world’s top 100 Pediatric Oncology influencers. Hedley’s work contributes greatly to supporting children and teenagers with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders, and their families in South Africa. Hearing about his journey and the work CHOC does was truly inspiring.
Hedley leads a passionate team that goes above and beyond to provide comprehensive care for children and teenagers and their families. CHOC’s 19 social and social auxiliary workers who work across 13 hospitals, offer families essential psychosocial and emotional support during this difficult journey. From Carebags filled with essential items of practical use and information, to delivering nearly 100,000 meals every year, CHOC’s care goes beyond the basic needs of the children, teenagers and their families. They provide comprehensive care and support programmes including safe accommodation, nutritional support, psychosocial support, and transport funds. These programs enable families to remain close to their children throughout treatment and ensure that they continue and adhere to the treatment.
One of the significant developments in recent years has been the shift in conversation around childhood cancer care in South Africa, a change in which CHOC played an active role. Thanks to the constitutional guarantee of free healthcare for children under six, pediatric oncology is prioritized in funding and resources. This places South Africa ahead of many other African nations in terms of support for children battling cancer.
Hedley, together with his team is introducing new ideas through innovative programs. CHOC has partnered with CORE and the iSchool Africa Foundation in SA to enhance educational learning using iPads for children undergoing cancer treatment. Since 2011 CHOC has been training Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Workers on the “SILUAN” Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer. Furthermore, CHOC has taken a proactive approach in opening conversations with Traditional Health Practitioners to empower them with knowledge and to open conversations to demystify myths and beliefs that lead to stigma. This collaborative effort marks a significant shift as more than 82% of South Africans turn to Traditional Medicine for initial health care. By bridging the gap between Traditional and Western Medicine, CHOC is helping families accessing the support they need from trusted resources as early as possible.
CHOC hopes to expand its reach to help dismantle the disparities in peadiatric oncology across Africa. While South Africa’s retinoblastoma survival rate is nearly 60%, many nearby countries in the region have much lower survival rates hovering closer to 20-30%.
CHOC advocates for children and teenagers affected by cancer or life-threatening blood disorders through partnerships and networks with like-minded organisations both nationally and internationally. Together with his team, Hedley collaborates closely with the National Department of Health and the South African Association for Paediatric Haematology Oncology (SAAPHO) to develop policies that improve the lives of children and teenagers with cancer.
As the CEO, Hedley Lewis plays an important role in the South African childhood cancer landscape. He, with the CHOC team, is passionate and committed to bring about positive change to impact childhood cancer in South Africa.
