GARISSA—Children receiving treatment at the pediatric cancer ward of Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital were treated to a special visit on Tuesday.
The officials were from Hope for Cancer Kids, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting families affected by childhood cancer.
During the visit, the team distributed gifts to young patients, bringing smiles to the faces of children undergoing treatment.
The initiative is part of the organisation’s broader mission to provide holistic support to children battling cancer.
It emphasized the critical need of addressing medical needs alongside emotional, logistical, and financial challenges.
The CEO of Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital, Mahat Sheikh Salah, praised the initiative, saying that visits like these were very important as they brought hope and encouragement to children going through difficult times.
He added that emotional support was as critical as medical treatment and expressed gratitude to Hope for Cancer Kids for their commitment to the young patients.
During their visit, the visiting team toured the hospital’s regional cancer centre, paediatric ward, and eye unit, where children were scheduled for eye surgery, including a child with eye cancer.
Mr. Sydney Chahunyo, fundraiser for Hope for Cancer Kids expressed admiration for the hospital’s service delivery, particularly the regional cancer centre.
He pledged accelerated collaboration with the hospital on cancer care and the treatment of children with cancer.
The centre, since its operationalisation, has addressed the growing number of cancer cases in Garissa County and also in neighbouring counties in Northern Kenya.
Mr. Yunis Dekow, Chief of Press Services at the hospital, said such engagements boost morale and help children cope better with the stresses of treatment.
He said such visits instil hope, comfort, and strength in young patients
“As childhood cancer remains a challenging battle for families across Kenya, such interventions play a crucial role in creating a support system that extends beyond the hospital ward,” he said.
