Founded in 2009, in South Africa, where nearly a thousand children are diagnosed with cancer every year, Rainbows & Smiles Foundation has become a pillar of hope for families navigating the unimaginable reality of childhood cancer. Co-founded by Bonni Suckling, in memory of her son Jed, and Nadia Lewis, whose son Hanno passed away in 2014, the foundation transforms grief into purpose. Standing beside families with empathy, advocacy, and care, and ensuring that no child or caregiver feels alone on this journey.
Speaking to Ruth Ngaruiya, Programs Manager for Africa at KnowTheGlow (KTG), Bonni mentioned that her son Jed’s favorite thing was to share gifts and make others smile. That simple act became the heartbeat of Rainbows & Smiles, a charitable foundation dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families.
The organization focuses on children across more than 12-15 main childhood cancer types, from leukemia to rare conditions many have never encountered before. Their approach combines emotional support, psychosocial care, and practical assistance, ensuring that each child and family receives holistic attention. From delivering care packages and organizing craft days in hospital wards to providing emotional, psychosocial, and financial support, Rainbows & Smiles meets families where they are.
“Every patient we meet, we hold such high hopes for them,” Nadia said during the conversation. “Even though we didn’t get our miracles, we want these children to thrive. If God has a different plan, we just try to make it easier for them.”
Their team’s compassion is grounded in realism. Many of the children they support come from government hospitals where resources are scarce. “We try to cover the basics, clothing, psychosocial needs, sometimes even food,” Bonni explained. “We work as part of a team with the doctors, social workers, and therapists to carry each family through their journey.”
When Ruth inquired whether they work with traditional healers, Bonni explained that although they don’t engage directly with them, they strive to respect cultural traditions and beliefs, even when these can sometimes delay diagnosis. She added that they gently educate families while remaining mindful of their culture. Bonni then shared an interesting, yet heartbreaking story of a child diagnosed with cancer whose parents expressed unexpected relief, saying they were grateful it was “cancer.” When Bonni asked why they felt happy about such a diagnosis, the parent replied, “At least it’s not witchcraft,” which was shocking to hear.
In their conversation with Ruth, their shared depth of mission was unmistakable. Both organizations stem from deeply personal stories and a desire to ensure that no parent feels alone in their search for answers. Bonni and Nadia spoke about the delicate balance between hope and heartbreak, and the need to handle every child’s story with dignity, always with consent, privacy, and compassion.
Beyond social media, Bonni continues to write for Oncology Buddies, amplifying stories that uplift, educate, and advocate for earlier detection and better understanding of childhood cancer.
Though their work is often emotional and heavy, there are moments of light. There is laughter, birthdays, art projects, and the joy of seeing children smile again, even for a moment. “We can’t save everyone,” Nadia said quietly, “but we can make sure no family walks this journey alone.”
As KTG prepares to launch its South Africa awareness campaign (March to May 2026), focused on educating parents and health workers about eye glow and early detection of conditions like retinoblastoma, engaging with organizations like Rainbows & Smiles strengthens a shared message: awareness saves lives.
The conversation with Rainbows & Smiles was more than a meeting; it was a shared reflection on purpose. Both organizations, born from personal experience, carry the same message: awareness saves lives, and compassion sustains hope.
As KTG prepares to launch its South Africa awareness campaign, the goal is to focus on educating parents and health workers about recognizing eye glow and promoting early detection of retinoblastoma. The discussion with Bonni and Nadia highlighted the heart behind every awareness effort: families whose experiences remind us why awareness and empathy must go hand in hand.