Swimming for Hope: Supporting Pediatric Cancer in Kenya

Dear friends and family,

To raise awareness and support for pediatric cancer in Kenya, I will take on my first-ever 10km (6.2 miles) swim in Lake Windward, Georgia on September 21st, 2024. This swim is not just a personal milestone but a journey of hope, love and commitment to a cause close to my heart. Find out more about how $50 can save a life.

The Motivation

Through an incredible organization called Hope for Cancer Kids, I’ve had the honor of connecting with a remarkable group of children in my home country, Kenya, who are courageously fighting cancer. While volunteering in their art therapy classes, I was deeply inspired by their creativity, intelligence, humor and resilience. Now that I’m back in the U.S., I think about them often – wondering how they’re doing, hoping for the best, and at times, hesitating to ask for updates, fearing the worst.

The Challenges

Pediatric cancer in Kenya is fraught with enormous challenges. Here are some sobering facts:

• $50: The cost of annual public health insurance, an amount that is out of reach for many families.

• 80%: Mortality rate for children diagnosed with cancer, compared to under 20% in the U.S.

• 3,000: Estimated number of children diagnosed with cancer each year, though the true number may be higher due to underreporting.

• 54%: Treatment abandonment rate. Families often have to travel long distances to reach the few hospitals that offer comprehensive cancer care, and many simply cannot afford the travel, accommodation and treatment expenses.

• 10km: In many rural parts of Kenya, many people live more than 10km away from health facilities equipped to diagnose and treat cancer, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

A Story of Hope: Nicholas’ Journey

Imagine waking up one day to find your world turned upside down - no home, no job, and no support system. This was the heartbreaking reality Nicholas’ mother faced when her husband abandoned the family after Nicholas was diagnosed with cancer. Left alone with her two children, she struggled to figure out how she would manage. Thankfully, Hope for Cancer Kids stepped in and provided critical assistance. Through their health insurance program, Nicholas received the treatment he needed, even though it meant traveling nearly 187 miles from home. This is just one example of how the organization’s support can change lives. Click here to hear more from Nicholas’ mother: https://youtu.be/8fpVG9KpMj4?feature=shared

The Solution: How $50 Can Save a Life

For just $50, a child in Kenya can receive an entire year of treatment, covering all necessary diagnostic tests and procedures, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. This small amount can literally be the difference between life and death for many families.

Thanks to the incredible work of Hope for Cancer Kids, real change is happening. Their programs provide:

• Access to treatment by covering the cost of health insurance for over 450 children each month.

• Art therapy sessions to help reduce stress and anxiety, and provide a creative outlet to express emotions.

• Accommodation, transportation and meals for families who travel long distances to access life-saving treatment.

How You Can Help

Will you join me in this fight against pediatric cancer? Your contribution, no matter the amount, will directly support these children and their families, easing their financial burden and allowing them to focus on what truly matters – healing and hope.

These young warriors are battling for their lives, and together, we can give them a fighting chance. Every donation counts, and brings light to families facing unimaginable challenges.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your generosity, kindness, and support!

To learn more about Hope for Cancer Kids, visit: https://hope4cancerkids.org.