Fun walk to support children's palliative care
AWARENESS
Dr Samantha Govender, chairperson of PatchSA and a paediatrician, right,encourages residents to participate in the first Durban #HatsOn4CPC Fun Walk. She is seen with one of the best hats at the walk last year.
Image: Supplied
IN A HEARTFELT appeal, PatchSA and Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children are calling on residents to lace up their walking shoes for a special cause - children's palliative care.
The charity organisations’ will be hosting a 5km fun walk which forms part of the Hats on for Children’s Palliative Care (HatsOn4CPC) campaign on October 12.
The walk will start from the front of Suncoast Casino in Durban at 8am until 10am.
PatchSA is a national charity that promotes hospice and palliative care for children. Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children is a local charity that provides hospice and palliative care, and support to children and families in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
Dr Samantha Govender, the chairperson of PatchSA and a paediatrician, said palliative care for children is individualised and holistic care that encompasses not only a child’s physical symptoms but also considers their social, emotional, and spiritual needs, and those of their family members.
“It is offered by a team of people who focus primarily on the quality of a child’s life, especially when that life is likely to be shortened by a serious or incurable illness or genetic condition.
“These are children with different types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, congenital anomalies, endocrine, blood and immune disorders, meningitis, kidney diseases, as well as those with XDR TB, HIV and Aids.
“In addition, specialised pain and symptom management offers a layer of comfort and relief, even when the child may be receiving treatment aimed at cure. Children’s palliative care also offers the best possible care at the time of a child’s death and offers grief and bereavement support for the family for as long as it is needed,” she said.
The team of volunteers at the walk last year.
Image: Supplied
Govender said statistics reveal there are at least one million children in South Africa afflicted by life-limiting illnesses or a condition that could significantly shorten their lives.
“Despite palliative care across all ages being recognised as an essential element of Universal Health Coverage, due to lack of funding and resources it is estimated that less than 5% of the children in South Africa who need palliative care have access to it.
“However, there are just two organisations providing palliative care to children in KZN, being Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children in Durban and Butterfly Palliative Home in Ingwavuma,” she said.
Govender said the HatsOn4CPC campaign was initiated by the International Children’s Palliative Care Network in 2014.
She said it aimed to raise awareness of children’s palliative care as well as the need for more qualified professionals and services.
“Hats were chosen as they symbolise the additional layer of comfort and protection that palliative care provides as well as referencing the ‘many hats’ (roles) that those working in children’s palliative care often need to wear to ensure holistic care is offered.”
For information on how to pre-register, visit www.patchsa.org/durban-hatson4cpc-fun-walk.