2024 July – September Newsletter

1stMake-A-Wish in Tanzania

We were delighted to host Mark and Niels from Make-A-Wish International for an insightful 5-day visit to Tanzania. This visit marked a crucial step in finalizing the process of becoming the very first Make-A-Wish territory in Africa. 

During their time here, Mark and Niels had the opportunity to meet with our team, explore local initiatives, and experience the vibrant spirit of our community. Together, we discussed plans to start wish granting for the children, an exciting and transformative journey we cannot wait to embark on.

This partnership represents a significant milestone for Tumaini La Maisha, and we are thrilled to collaborate with Make-A-Wish to bring joy, hope, and unforgettable memories to children in Tanzania.

3rd

Prof. Elena from IIPAN made a visit to us and visited Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Bugando Medical Centre (BMC), and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC). The focus of her visit was to review the existing nutrition programs supporting children undergoing cancer treatment and to discuss the exciting possibility of expanding these initiatives to new sites across the country. 

Her expertise and insights are invaluable as we explore ways to enhance the nutritional support available to children and their families. We look forward to continuing this essential work and expanding the reach of the seservices to more regions in Tanzania.

9thDr. Trish Goes To Mwanza

Dr. Trish made a visit to Mwanza and met with the Executive Director of Bugando Medical Center (BMC), who has officially agreed to the terms of our partnership. We are excited about this new collaboration and look forward to a successful and impactful partnership with BMC, bringing enhanced care and support to childhood cancer patients in the Mwanza region. She also went to Sengerema and stayed overnight to discuss CleverCharts with Sr MJ and all recent developments including their new theatres and the need for nursing support which TLM has agreed to provide.

10th Dr Trish in KCMC

Dr. Trish travelled to KCMC to meet with paeds oncology team, nursing, admin, pathology and haematology diagnostic services– to discuss education, CleverCharts, service provision, nutrition, and diagnostics and how TLM can partner with the team. She also met with the wonderful Dermatology department and discussed our collaboration with XP children which they very generously agreed to.

12th A Surprise Visit From Elizabeth

We were delighted by a wonderful surprise visit from Elizabeth, a leukaemia survivor who began her treatment with us in 2017 and completed it in 2019. She shared the exciting news that she has just finished a short course in hotel management and is now working as a chef!  Not only that, but she’s also aproud mother to a beautiful 3-year-old girl. Elizabeth is now eager to give back by joining our Parent Support Program, where she’ll be connecting with and inspiring families currently facing similar challenges. We are so proud of her journey and thrilled to have her as part of our community!

18th TLM Donates Coldroom to MNH

A newly constructed cold room, made possible by the generous support of Direct Relief through Tumaini la Maisha has been officially handed over to MNH. The cold room will play a crucial role in ensuring the proper storage of essential medications and supplies, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to patients. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Direct Relief for their continuous support to childhood cancer services in Tanzania.

20th Remembrance Day 2024

Remembrance Day was a wonderful experience for everyone involved: children, caregivers, guests, volunteers, and staff. The day was filled with joy as we walked, sang and danced with the kids. We listened to poems and heartfelt speeches from survivors, lit candles to remember those we’ve lost, shared snacks and drinks and had a moment of prayer led by the kind-hearted head monk who welcomed us to the Buddhist temple where the service was held. It was truly a memorable day.
A massive thank you to all the wonderful donors, friends and supporters who joined us, donated gifts; drinks, snacks, cakes and tshirts for the kids!

25th TLM Goes To Mtwara

We are thrilled to announce the development of a new partnership with Southern Zone Referral Hospital and St. Benedict Ndanda Referral Hospital in Mtwara! Dr. Trish and Magdalena visited both hospitals to oversee the early stages of this exciting collaboration. Our goal is to establish a dedicated children’s cancer treatment unit, bringing specialized care closer to families in the region. By expanding our reach, we hope to ensure that more children can access timely, effective cancer treatment, improving their chances for recovery and a healthier future. We are confident this partnership will be a significant step towards addressing the healthcare needs of children with cancer across Tanzania especially as we continue to expand the National childhood cancer network (NCCN).

1st Parents Skill Class

We are dedicated to not only providing high-quality cancer treatment to children but also to empower their parents with valuable skills. Recently, some of our parents have been participating in batik making. This initiative is part of our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency. These parents, while bravely supporting their children through treatment, have embraced this opportunity to polish their crafts. Through the creation of beautiful batik pieces, they are gaining practical skills that can open doors to new entrepreneurial ventures. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments. These parents have shown us that even in challenging times, there is potential for growth and entrepreneurship.

2nd OSCE Exam

Dr. Trish recently participated in the OSCE Exams for the final-year paediatric haematology/oncology fellows. We wish these talented professionals the very best as they embark on their careers, continuing to make a profound difference in the lives of children battling cancer.

9thLinda Visits TLM

We were delighted to welcome our long-time friend Linda Calvert, who has been supporting children with cancer in Mbeya for many years. It was exciting to discuss plans for collaboration in the coming months and years, strengthening our efforts together.

12th Parents Support Group

So many bonds are formed here at TLM. Parents and children find strength and support in one another. This morning’s session was led by Maftah and his mum as they share their experiences, challenges, and successes. Maftah was diagnosed with Wilms’ tumour at just 2 years old and his treatment involved chemotherapy and a surgical procedure to remove the affected kidney. Today, at the age of 9, Maftah is thriving and is in excellent health. Through these bonds, parents gain emotional strength, practical advice, and hope. They no longer feel isolated in their journey, as they can lean on each other for support and understanding.

18th New Volunteer

We are thrilled to welcome Meave, who has arrived from Ireland to volunteer with us for the next month. Her time will be split between working in the school, engaging with the children through play, and lending her creative skills in the office as a graphic designer. Meave’s diverse contributions will bring fresh energy to our team and offer invaluable support across multiple areas. We are excited to see the impact of her work, both with the children and in enhancing our communication materials.

19th Survivor Janeth

Meet Janeth, a remarkable young lady who was diagnosed with Wilms’ Tumor, a type of kidney cancer, at the age of 3 in 2008. She underwent 31 weeks of chemotherapy and surgery to remove her affected kidney. Though Tumaini la Maisha didn’t exist at the time, its founding members helped cover her treatment costs. Now, Janeth has completed her A-level studies and dreams of becoming a paediatric oncologist to help children facing cancer. She recently travelled from Mwanza to Dar-es-Salaam to visit TLM, where Dr. Trish was thrilled to reconnect with her after all these years. Her journey offers hope to families currently facing a childhood cancer diagnosis, showing that a bright future is possible.

22nd Outreach With Nomad Safaris

We’re thrilled to share our latest collaboration with Nomad Safaris, making a lasting impact on the communities around us. A huge thank you to NOMAD Safaris for supporting our outreachprograms in the remote villages of Kisaki, Tungamalenga and Mapogoro, where Dr. Miraji and the team attended to 465 patients over 7 days addressing the challenges and providing essential medical care. We’re proud to have broughthope and care to these communities, providing essential services where they’re needed most. Kudos to Dr. Miraji for his incredible dedication and for being an inspiring role model to the interns who joined in on this journey.

23rd Morning Yoga Session

Today, our brave little fighters embraced the healing power of yoga. The kids continue finding strength in every breath, stretch, and moment of calm they create. Yoga is helping them focus, relax, and tap into their inner resilience—showing us all the incredible power of the mind and body working together. Let’s keep cheering them on as they balance, breathe, and rise above every challenge.

26th Kids Sit For Mock Exams

To help the kids prepare for their exams, the teachers routinely organize mock exams as part of their preparation. These sessions are designed to keep their minds active and focused, ensuring they can achieve their best. With each practice, they gain confidence, bringing them one step closer to success. Click the link here to learn more about our play and educational programs.

1stAwareness Month

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month!
Every year, thousands of children and their families face the unimaginable challenge of a cancer diagnosis. Awareness is the first step towards change. By learning, sharing, and advocating, we can make a difference in their lives. Let’s shine a light on their stories, their strength, and the urgent need for support. Join us this month as we raise awareness and stand with these brave young people.

2nd Fuel Their Fight Campaign

This September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we have launched a vital campaign—Fuel our Fight. This initiative is dedicated to ensuring that every child undergoing cancer treatment in Tanzania receives the nutritious meals they need to aid in eradicating this devastating disease.
Join us in this fight through the link here.

3rd Lions Serve The Kids

We were pleased to host representatives from Lions International, who visited Tanzania to observe the impactful programs currently being implemented. Their visit provided an opportunity to showcase the ongoing initiatives supported by Lions International, including key health and community outreach efforts that are making a difference in the lives of childhood cancr patients.

This collaboration continues to strengthen as we work together to expand these vital programs and explore new opportunities to serve communities across the country.

3rd Kibubu Campaign Launches

We’ve just kicked off a 3-day Kibubu Campaign at Kidz Kollege with our amazing little Kibubu Champs, who have proudly supported this initiative for the past four years! We’re excited to see their enthusiasm in action once again and look forward to another successful campaign. Happy collecting, everyone!

3rd UCD Meets MUHAS Meeting

We also had the catch up meeting with the UCD/MUHAS team to discuss the recent nursing education elective – which was a wonderful success and we are looking forwards to next years collaboration and welcoming more Irish nurses to Tanzania but also making sure Tanzanian nurses go to Ireland.

4th A Plant For Life

Join the fight against childhood cancer in Tanzania by supporting the Plant for Life initiative!
Every plant purchased, directly funds life-saving chemotherapy for children bravely battling cancer. By adding greenery to your space, you’re also planting seeds of hope where they’re needed most. Call 0754984563 to buy a plant or go to the link here to learn more.

6thLittle Scholar Joins Kibubu Campaign

We launched our September Kibubu campaign at Little Scholars! These small cardboard boxes play a big role in raising funds and awareness for children’s cancer services in Tanzania throughpartnerships with schools across the country. Want to get your school or club involved? DM or email us at vasb@jrnergyz.bet, or visit www.wearetlm.org to join the cause today!

10th Parent Support Session

We hosted an enriching parent support group session, led by Dr. Furaha and Sr. Asteria. The session fostered meaningful dialogue, allowing parents, survivors and stakeholders to openly share their experiences and insights on childhood cancer. A common concern raised by parents was how to prevent childhood cancer. As discussed, while the disease cannot be easily predicted or prevented, recognizing the early warning signs and seeking timely medical attention is crucial. This valuable information helped clear up misconceptions about the causes of cancer.
The session ended with heartfelt testimonies from survivors and their families, followed by a lively Q&A and a memorable group photo to wrap up the day.

12th The Children Sat For Their Exam

 Two extraordinary children, Kabewa and Lujaina, sat for their Standard 7 national exams, all while undergoing treatment for leukaemia. Despite the challenges, they showed up with unwavering strength, proving that nothing can dim their light or determination.
Let’s join together in celebrating their remarkable journey and wishing them all the best for the future.

19th Drugs Donation

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mama Tanzila and her group for their generous donation of life-saving medicine worth TZS 1,544,800 to support children with cancer at Tumaini la Maisha Tanzania. Her contribution includes essential medication such as Amikacin, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin, Metronidazole, and Miconazole gel. Your kindness is making a huge difference!

20thProtocol Review

All day protocol review day – delighted to report that this national team of paediatriconcologists met again and have completed the review of the Burkitt Lymphomaprotocol and agreed and approved all the changes to the new protocol which can begin across all level 3 sites immediately.

20th TLM Art Exhibition & Auction

What an incredible night!! The art exhibition and auction was a success and $5,700 was raised! A massive thank you to all who attended and showed support and a big thank you to all the talented artists who donated their amazing pieces. Thank you for joining us on this fight against childhood cancer.

20th Kids Day Out

The Lions Club hosted a truly heart-warming play day for our little Warriors at Simba Elementary School in celebration of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Th echildren enjoyed an afternoon filled with laughter, fun games, face painting and adventures on the jungle gym and monkey bars. It was a day to forget about treatments and hospital routines, letting the kids just be kids! We are incredibly grateful to the Lions Club, volunteers and everyone who made this special day possible for our brave little fighters. Together, we continue to raise awareness of childhood cancer and highlight the importance of community support.

22nd TLM Goes to Kigoma

Dr. Trish and Eliwangu had a productive week visiting potential new sites for the National Cancer Care Network (NCCN) in Kigoma. Their first stop was Maweni Regional Referral Hospital, where everything went smoothly, and the team is ready to sign the MoU, marking a crucial step in expanding cancer care services in the Western regions of Tanzania. Next, they visited Heri Mission Hospital in Manyovu, 70km from Kigoma. The team received a warm welcome, and discussions were positive. The MoU has been shared for review, and the team is eager to move forward with this partnership. Finally, the team visited Kabanga Hospital in Kasulu, 110km from Kigoma town. The enthusiastic welcome from the Medical Officer incharge and his team was promising, especially since Kabanga already treats pediatric oncology patients. 

This visit reinforces the mission to extend specialized cancer care across more regions of Tanzania. Overall, the trip has set the stage for exciting partnerships, increasing access to quality cancer care in Kigoma and beyond.

Soji, a remarkable fourteen-year-old girl from Mbeya, Tanzania, whose spirit shines brightly even in the face of unimaginable challenges. She is the fourth of seven siblings. She lived in a remote village with her aunty where she helped care for her and did household and shamba chores. She dreamed of going to school. 

At the age of 11, Soji’s life took an unexpected turn when a small swelling appeared on the left side of her neck. Although the swelling caused no pain, persistent fevers signaled that something serious was amiss.

Her family rushed her back home to her mother, who immediately sought medical attention at Chunya Hospital in the far South West of Tanzania. From there, she was transferred to Ikonda Hospital which thank goodness is a TLM NCCN partner hospital so they knew what to do and who to contact when they suspected Soji might have cancer. TLM transport team immediately arranged for her smooth referral to Muhimbili National Hospital. Here she was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma which had already advanced to stage 3. Although quite advanced with the right care and treatment there is still an excellent chance of cure.

But Soji’s story isn’t just about her battle with cancer; it’s about her indomitable will to learn and grow, even when the odds were stacked against her.

Living with her aunt, Soji’s opportunity for education seemed out of reach. Financial constraints and her aunt’s need for constant care meant that school was a distant dream. However, in the midst of her cancer treatment, Soji found a lifeline through Tumaini La Maisha’s schooling program. Enrolled in class, Soji began to slowly but steadily learn to read and write.

Today, her progress is nothing short of inspiring. Not only is her cancer treatment working—the swelling has regressed, and the fevers have disappeared—but Soji’s educational journey has also blossomed. She can now proudly write her name, and she continues to study, all while bravely undergoing her treatment.

Soji’s story is a powerful reminder of hope and the transformative power of the TLM vision.  It’s a story of a community turning a terrible event in a child’s life into a new and exciting opportunity; coming together to nurture both the body and the mind of a young girl who refused to give up. Soji continues to pave her way towards a brighter future, one step at a time. Once her treatment is finished we plan to find a way to make sure Soji’s schooling continues to give her the bright future she deserves.