BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE – Childhood cancer survivors have been reminded that their journey does not end when treatment ends, with Dr Charity Newton calling for continued support to help young survivors rebuild their lives and realise their dreams.
Speaking on Friday at Hilton Garden Inn during the Eswatini Childhood Cancer Foundation’s Childhood Cancer Survivors Day, Dr Newton said survivors should be seen beyond their diagnosis, describing them as future professionals, entrepreneurs, parents, teachers, doctors, nurses and leaders.
“When we look at you, we do not see a diagnosis. We see young people with dreams, talents and bright futures,” she said.
“We see the future of Eswatini.”
Dr Newton said childhood cancer often takes children through painful treatments, hospital stays, missed birthdays and periods of uncertainty, but surviving those experiences is an achievement that deserves recognition.
She said Survivors’ Day should also remind society that overcoming cancer is not necessarily the end of the challenges faced by survivors.
“Some survivors may continue to face physical, emotional, educational or social challenges. They may have questions about their health, their education, their careers and their future,” she said.
She called on the foundation and wider community to extend support beyond the hospital by listening to survivors, supporting their needs and creating opportunities that allow them to thrive.
Dr Newton also recognised parents and caregivers who walk alongside children throughout their cancer journey.
She acknowledged mothers who spend sleepless nights beside their children, fathers who remain strong during uncertain times, as well as grandparents, siblings, relatives and friends who provide support.
“You walked a difficult journey alongside your children. Your love, your prayers, your encouragement and your persistence made a difference in your child’s life,” she said.
Healthcare workers were also recognised for caring for children during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
Dr Newton thanked doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory professionals, social workers, psychologists and other healthcare workers involved in childhood cancer care both in Eswatini and beyond the country’s borders.
Turning her attention to children who are still undergoing cancer treatment, Dr Newton delivered a message of encouragement.
“You are not alone,” she said.
She reminded children that healthcare workers, families and the wider community were standing with them and wanted to see them grow, learn, laugh, dream and fulfil their potential.
She similarly encouraged parents of children currently undergoing treatment to continue supporting their children and to remember that they do not have to walk the journey alone.
While celebrating survivors and fighters, the gathering also remembered children who lost their lives to cancer.
Dr Newton said their names, smiles and lives remain part of the childhood cancer community’s story.
“To the families who have lost a child to cancer, please know that your children remain an important part of our community and our story,” she said.
“Their lives mattered.”
The gathering observed a moment of silence in their memory.
Dr Newton said the foundation remains committed to a future where children affected by cancer receive quality care, support and compassion.
She highlighted the importance of early diagnosis, family support, appropriate follow-up care and helping survivors return to school, pursue careers, build relationships and participate fully in their communities.
“Above all, we want every survivor to know: cancer does not define who you are,” she said.
Dr Newton also expressed appreciation to government, healthcare institutions, partners, donors, businesses and individuals supporting the childhood cancer cause.
She thanked His Majesty’s Government, through the Ministry of Health, Phalala National Fund and National Cancer Control Programme, as well as organisations and individuals supporting the foundation’s work.
She further recognised Hilton Garden Inn for hosting the event and acknowledged partners including Eswatini Med, Jenny Internet Network, Baylor, Rocking Horse, palliative care services, Taiwan ICDF, the Ministry of Education and other supporters.
In her closing message, Dr Newton said childhood cancer requires a collective response because the disease can affect any family.
“Let us acknowledge that childhood cancer knows no borders. Your child, my child could have cancer,” she said.
She called for continued cooperation to ensure every child has an opportunity to receive quality care, overcome childhood cancer and live a full and meaningful life.
“Every child matters. Every survivor matters. Every family matters,” she said.
The event ended on a celebratory note as Dr Newton invited the audience to rise and dance alongside the children, describing them as “tiny small boats” capable of creating “big waves into motion”.
The moment captured the spirit of the day celebrating children not only for what they had survived, but for the lives, dreams and possibilities that lie ahead.
#EswatiniChildhoodCancer #ChildhoodCancerSurvivors #EveryChildMatters #HopeBeyondCancer
