2023 October – December Newsletter

3rd Donation Alert

Starting off the month strong with a huge shoutout to Carolina for her generous donation of USD 10,000! Your kindness and support speak volumes, and we’re immensely grateful for your contribution. Thank you for standing with us!

9th TLM hosts First national Oncology Pharmacy ‘Safe Handling SOP’ Seminar

Tumaini La Maisha were very happy to have organised The first National Oncology Pharmacy update harmonizing Oncology Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) regarding Safe Handling of Chemotherapy and delighted to report it was a massive success! 18 dedicated Pharmacists from six different institutions came together for 3 very productive days. A big thank you to DIFAM for funding and Ocean Road Cancer Institute for hosting the event. Kudos to Mr. Jackson Mbwimba and Mr. Zawadi Phares for their leadership! Congratulations to one and all for making this event such a success!

10th SIOP in Ottawa

Dr. Trish and Eliwangu, our CFO & Donor Manager, along with Mr. Obadia, represented us at the SIOP conference in Ottawa. They had the pleasure of connecting with Dr. Koki, a Haematologist from Japan, and Dr. Manuel, a Cancer and Exercise Specialist. Both Dr. Koki and Dr. Manuel are esteemed former volunteers at Upendo ward.

13th The Importance of Nutrition in Childhood Cancer

Watch our latest video as we shed light on how proper nutrition can be a vital ally in the fight against childhood cancer. A big thank you to our partners at IIPAN for joining us on this journey of hope, health, and healing for these brave young warriors.

Watch the full video

17th Kemil Health Donates to TLM

A massive thanks to Kemil Health Care Limited’s gifts of Baby Diapers, khangas, powdered soap detergents and for helping clear hospital bills for some of the patients giving them a much needed relief!! Their support has brought smiles to our little heroes and their caregivers. Let’s keep the ray of hope shining and together, we can make an even greater impact.

If you’re inspired by this action, please join us in our mission as every donation counts.

Learn more.

18th PAIRS Training Commences

It was a lovely and productive week with training facilitated by our friends at PAIRS and we are thrilled to announce that 15 learners have successfully advanced to Phase II training!!! We are super proud of our team and their dedication and we look forward to the next training session in 6 months!!

21st Bid For Life 4

BID FOR LIFE 4 began on the 21st October, featuring a stunning collection of over 190 beautiful and creative pieces. All the bids for the remarkable pieces takes us a step closer to reaching our vision and providing essential services to children battling cancer in Tanzania. Thank you to all who participated and if you bought a piece but still haven’t had it delivered kindly contact us through vasb@jrnergyz.bet.

23rd TLM Attends Kilimarathon Official Launch

We were thrilled to be part of the Kilimanjaro International Marathon official launch ceremony! As the official charity for the Kili International Marathon, we’re excited for another incredible race in 2024. Every paid for entry contributes to improving childhood cancer services in Tanzania, particularly in the Kilimanjaro region. Join us in the fight against childhood cancer – your participation makes a real difference! You can create a fundraising page through the link below to be a part of this meaningful cause. Run for good, Run to save lives!!!

24th Irish Global Health Forum

TLM enjoyed attending the Irish Global Health Forum remotely. Aisling Walsh Paediatric Intensivist from Temple Street Hospital in Dublin joined us for a collaborative clinical week at MNH PICU.

27th Al Irshaad Joins TLM Kibubu Campaign

What an amazing day at Al Irshaad School who joined us to raise awareness for childhood cancer and motivate future doctors. A big thank you to the entire staff, parents and community for organizing and inviting us to share our story and journey with you!

29th Tubingen Univeristy and Diafem Visits MNH & MUHAS

We’re delighted to share that Dr. Thomas, Dr. Jonathon, and Prof. Martin from Tubingen University, along with Corrina from Diafem visited us to explore potential collaborations with MUHAS and MNH. Together, we aim to pave the way for innovative solutions and advancements in healthcare. Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this journey of collaboration and mutual growth!

31st Dr. Grace Joins The Upendo Team

We are thrilled to have Dr Grace, haematologist from GoSH to join our team at Upendo Ward to provide clinical expertise and compassionate care to to the patients. Dr. Grace brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in haematology, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have her onboard.

1st 5th National NCD conference begins

We were honored to participate in the 5th Regional Non-Communicable Disease Scientific Conference, where innovative minds converged for a shared mission. It was an absolute pleasure to childhood cancer stakeholders, special delegates from the health ministry as well as representative from AfyaToon; a trailblazing animation company championing health awareness. We had a fantastic exchange of ideas to explore avenues to collaborate and elevate awareness for childhood cancer. Stay tuned for exciting collaborations ahead!! Congratulations to everyone who presented – Jackson, Anna, Primus and Salama.

2nd The Good Samaritans Fundraise for TLM

A big big thank you to The Good Samaritan School for collecting Tzs 2.9 million as part of the kibubu campaign!!! A massive thank you to all the parents, teachers and the entire Good Samaritan School community for making this possible!!

3rd Annah Arrives At Killruddery

The talented Annah, our artist in residence winner, has made it to Ireland, and she’s already creating magic!!!! Annah’s journey has just begun, and we can’t wait to see the incredible art she’ll bring to life during her time at Killruddery. Stay tuned for sneak peeks and updates on her artistic adventures.

7th Shining the Spotlight on Lightness Mbwambo

Meet Lightness, a young and incredibly talented artist from the school of St. Jude, Arusha with an incredible and uplifting spirit. Despite facing the challenges of cerebral palsy and having no arm function, she continues to pursue her true passion– art and painting. She has generously donated one of her stunning art works, “Lion’s Glare,” to the Bid for Life auction!!! Lightness received 30% of the proceeds from her art piece.

9th Children’s Day Celebration

TLM attended the wonderful 2023 children’s day celebration event hosted by the Indian High Commission in Tanzania. A huge thanks to Mr. Kartik and the entire Tamil Sangam team for their generous donation of TZS 10 million shillings. We are also grateful to Hai Tech Sai Hospital for offering free CT scans for the children. Together, we can make apositive impact.

10th TLM TURNS 12!

Today marks 12 remarkable years of healing and hope and the collective impact we’ve made in Tanzania, providing support to children in their courageous battle against childhood cancer.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to all our friends, supporters, and donors for their dedication and compassion, bringing us closer to our vision over the years. Your support has been instrumental in our journey. Let’s continue this extraordinary path of love, support, and healing because TOGETHER, WE CAN make a lasting difference!!

11th Bid for Life & Harvest Moon Gala Ball Raises 63,000E

We’re over the moon to announce that the Bid for Life Art Auction and Harvest Moon Gala Ball was a tremendous success! Thanks to your incredible support, we’ve raised an astounding Euro 63,000. A huge shout out to everyone who participated, donated, and helped make this event a success!!! This remarkable achievement wouldn’t have been possible without your generosity and passion for helping support childhood cancer services in Tanzania!!

13th Little Scholars Champion Kibubu Campign

A big thank you to the students, parents, teachers and entire community at Little Scholars Pre School for their amazing efforts of fundraising over Tzs 2.6 million as part of the TLM 2023 kibubu campaign.

15th Rotary Visits TLM

We had a great visit from our friends at Rotary; Martha Peak Helman – Rotary International Trustee, District Governor Fransisco Ssemwanga – Rotary District 9124, Diamond Carvalho – Country Chair Rotary Tanzania and Sophia Chamzingo – Vice Country Chair Rotary Tanzania. They toured the Pediatric Oncology Ward, a donation from Rotary, witnessing first hand the impact of their generosity. Their visit extended to our hostel, where we shared insights into our empowering programs. Thank you, Rotary, for your continuous support in making a difference in the lives of those we serve!!

20th Eco Filter Donates to TLM

We are grateful to the entire team at Eco Filter for donating 4 water filters which have the capacity to filter 100ltrs of safe drinking water per day!! This has brought a huge relief to the children and care givers at Ujasiri hostel as they can now easily access clean and safe drinking water.

21st Hope For Cancer Kids Kenya, Peer To Peer Coaching

Thank you Hope for Cancer Kids’ Kenya for generously sharing with us your insights on hosting a successful live auction. It was great and insightful session with amazing engagement and discussions.

A special thank you to ALSAC for facilitating this meaningful coaching opportunity.

28th Irish Embassy Annual Partners Event

We are thrilled to have been a part of the Irish Embassy Annual Partners Event!!! We had the honor of presenting all that TLM has achieved in 2023, and it was truly inspiring to reflect on our joint accomplishments. As part of the workshop we had a particular focus on monitoring and evaluation as a crucial tool to inform better development initiatives as we believe in the importance of data-driven decisions for sustainable impact, and it was fantastic to discuss this focus. A heartfelt gratitude to the Irish Embassy for their steadfast support through out as this partnership has played a vital role in our mission and we are truly thankful for the collaborative spirit that has made these achievements possible.

Here’s to continued collaboration, shared successes and making a positive impact together for childhood cancer services in Tanzania! Thank you Irish Embassy!

30th Segerea Lutheran Church Donates to TLM

A big thank you to Segerea Lutheran Church Women’s group for visiting us on Sunday and donated gifts worth TZS 2,000,000. We appreciate your love, kindness and thoughtfulness.

Inspiration Story of The Month

Meet Tariq, a 4 year old little boy, who first became sick in September 2022. His parents attended 5 different health facilities around their home in the South Eastern part of Tanzania. It was a freezing cold isolating moment for the family since no one seemed to be able to help their child as he became weaker and weaker.

In January 2023 at the edge of losing hope the family met a guardian angel in the form of a doctor from Ligula Hospital (one of the TLM NCCN* partner hospitals) in Mtwara, region over 500kms from Dar es Salaam, who contacted them with the TLM team. Tariq urgently needed transfer to Muhimbili National Hospital for a conclusive diagnosis, management and treatment. Tariq’s father who had been battling to find care for his child had unfortunately no means to pay the bus fare and was grappling with hypertension and diabetes himself making the situation almost unbearable.

Thankfully Tumaini La Maisha were able to step in and provide the support needed to transport Tariq, his father and big brother to Dar es salaam; and then help him access the care and treatment he needed. He was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, which required him to stay on Upendo and Tumaini wards and in Ujasiri House for many months to receive the intensive treatment he needed.

Currently he is doing very well and has started the gentle maintenance phase of his chemotherapy which will last 3 years and will continue to receive treatment as an outpatient. His big brother is taking great care of him, since his father needed to get back home to the rest of his family. Tariq is attending weekly clinics, where he always spends time in our play and class room. You will not see a bigger smile than the one he greets us with each week.

1st FK International School Raises Funds for TLM

We are overjoyed and give a big shoutout and thanks to the students, parents and entire community at FK International School for their incredible generosity and support to our mission as they have donated TZS 5,000,000 worth of essential drugs and gifts such as soap, clothes and shoes!!!!

We are truly thankful for your thoughtful ness and your visit to us brought lots of joy and laughter!

4th A Trip Down Memory Lane

12 years ago this incredible group of people came together to show support for children with cancer at the launch of our small orgainsation Tumaini la Maisha. So proud of where we have reached in such a short time.

7th Braeburn’s Annual Christmas Visit to TLM

We welcomed a visit from Braeburn International School earlier this week. The joy on the kids’ faces was priceless as they shared their delightful drawings with us. Not only did they bring smiles and bliss with the lovely Christmas Carol singing but they also generously donated essential gifts such as honey, toothpaste and khangas.

Asante Sana to the students, parents, teachers and entire community of Braeburn School for yourkindness and support. We appreciate you

8th Mama Rivaldo Celebrates with TLM

Today was a bittersweet day filled with joy and heartfelt moments as Mama Rivaldo visited us. Her gratitude and encouragement remind us of the impact we make and even though Rivaldo who bravely faced leukemia may no longer be with us, but his spirit lives on in the celebration of hope. Asante sana Mama Rivaldo for choosing to celebrate Rivaldo with us.

Click the link below to donate and help us extend our support tomore families in need. Together, we can make a difference

9th TLM Kids Day Out to DIA

Our day unfolded as our young champions visited Dar es Salaam International Academy for a day brimming with joy, laughter, and games. Their smilesradiated pure joy, reminding us of the free unrelenting spirit within each child.

Learn more ways you can

Help to continue creating moments like these

13th Tanzania To Germany

Dr Trish and Dr Lulu and Magdalena; delegates from MUHAS visited the University Hospital in Tubingen, Germany. It was a wonderful few days and we are hopeful to start a very positive collaboration with both universities.

17th DSM Pentecostal Church Donates to TLM

We are truly blessed to have experienced the warmth and generosity of the Dar es Salaam Pentecostal Church. Their visit marked by a generous donation of TZS 630,000, goes beyond as they also dedicated their time to teach the children the values of faith through captivating means—cartoonsongs, stories, and animation—is a gift that will resonate in their hearts for a lifetime!!

18th Reader Rabbits Annual Christmas Fair

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Reader Rabbits School for the warm invitation to their Annual Christmas Fair! The joyous carol singing and captivating performances made it an unforgettable experience for our kids!!! But the magic doesn’t stop there! A massive shout out to the students, parents, teachers and entire Reader Rabbits community for their incredible generosity. Together, you’ve raised a whopping TZS 16 million as part of the TLM Kibubu Campaign! Thank you for spreading kindness, joy, and making a real impact especially during this festive season.

18th Bold Queens Visits TLM

A big thank you to Bold Queens for visiting us last weekend and donating gifts such as toiletries, honey and stationary for the children. We appreciate your thoughtfulness.

19th End of Year Staff Meeting

As we wrap up an incredible year, we had our end-of-year staff meeting which was nothing short ofinspiring!!! Each department presented their achievements and summarized the remarkable journey we’ve had in 2023 from triumphs to challenges. The meeting was a vibrant exchange of ideas, showcasing the passion and commitment that drives us all forward in caring for childhood cancer patients in Tanzania.

A heartfelt thank you to every team member for your hard work and innovation.Your enthusiasm is the driving force behind our achievements. Here’s to another year of growth, collaboration and reaching new horizons.

20th A Trip To Rangi Gallery

Oh, what a splendid day it was!!! The children embarked on a magical journey into the world of art at Rangi Gallery guided by the talented Annah , Killruddery 2023 residence winner. The sheer excitement and bliss radiating from their faces were a masterpiece in itself!! A big big thank you to Annah for sharing her talent, Rangi Gallery for opening its doors to these budding Picassos and Lorna for the amazing goodie bags!!!

21st Carol Singing at Ujasiri House

The magic of Christmas transcends language, and this year, it resonated beautifully in Swahili!!! Our heartfelt appreciation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who gifted us with an enchanting afternoon that was filled with the timeless tradition of Christmas carols. In those melodies, we found the true essence of Christmas – a celebration of togetherness, love, and the joyous laughter that fills the air during this festive season.
May the echoes of this harmonious celebration resonate in our hearts, filling our days with warmth and festive cheer.

23rd Plant for Life Brings Christmas Cheer

It is said that “gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas” a saying very well complemented, all thanks to Plant for Life, who made sure the children and the parents had a great time during this Christmas season.

Inspiration Story of The Month – Brighton

As we gather around the warmth of the holiday season, we want to share with you a remarkable story of courage, strength, and the determined spirit of a 10 year old little boy called Brighton.

Brighton’s journey began with uncertainty and challenges at early January 2023. Multiple swellings, unexplained fevers, and unusual tiredness marked the initial stages of his struggle. His mother repeatedly brought him to see a variety of doctors. She persisted in her quest for answers, and refused to be reassured when she knew in her heart that something was seriously wrong with her son. The road to a diagnosis was paved with setbacks, inconclusive tests, and emotional turbulence. Amidst the uncertainty, a dedicated paediatric oncologist stepped in, urging a fresh perspective. This led to a repeat of crucial tests that eventually unveiled the diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, T-cell type.

The revelation brought mixed emotions—relief that an answer had finally been found, tempered by fear and dread for the path ahead. Brighton faced long and intense phases of toxic treatment, each demanding strength, hope and endurance; often the treatment making him feel as sick or sicker as the initial disease.
Most children develop one or two side effects during this treatment – rarely have we seen a child suffer as much as little Brighton – his poor little body was barely able to cope as he seemed to develop every single toxic effect multiple times over the initial few months.

Brighton’s mum endured many weeks without his beautiful infectious smile as he developed fevers after fever; sore mouth, inability to eat, tummy pain and consequent extreme weight loss and weakness so profound he could barely sit in the bed. The good news in the background of all this suffering was that his cancer was nowhere to be found. Despite this, the team were very worried we would lose him as intensive nutritional support did not seem to help and he remained skin and bone and miserable, too weak to walk.

But Brighton’s story isn’t just one of pain and anguish; it’s a testament to the power of human spirit to overcome with which our patients and families inspire us every day; and the support of a caring and compassionate team that we have here at TLM.
Despite the challenges, Brighton progressed through treatment, slowly but steadily. Today, he stands as a symbol of triumph, with regained weight, a restored smile, and the ability to walk unaided, in full remission from his leukaemia.

As Brighton enters the festive season, surrounded by the love of family and friends, he carries the spirit of hope and resilience. His journey is a reminder that even in the darkest times, the light of determination and hope can guide us through. May this holiday season bring you joy, peace, and the inspiration to face challenges with the same unrelenting spirit as Brighton.

Together, let’s celebrate the gift of hope, the strength of community, and the miracles that come with each new day.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of shared inspirational stories.

International Childhood Cancer Day- 15th February

Join us in raising awareness and support for children battling cancer around the world. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to their lives.

Kilimanjaro International Marathon- 25th February

Lace up your sneakers and join us at the Kilimarathon on the 25th of February to run for children battling cancer in Tanzania. Sign up and create a fundraising page through www.wearetlm.org/ways-to-help/run-for-good/ to help raise funds for childhood cancer services in Tanzania Run for good and let your miles COUNT!!!

St. Patrick’s Fundraising Ball- 16th March

Get ready to don your green attire and join us for an enchanting evening of celebration and fundraising. Your support will help us continue our mission and get closer to realizing our vision

Save the dates and be a part of these meaningful events, Together, we can!