Essequibo Coast Lions Club supports teen battling cancer

In observance of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Essequibo Coast Lions Club has made a monetary contribution to the family of a 14-year-old boy currently undergoing chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The donation is intended to help cover travel expenses related to his treatment. In a recent statement, the Club reaffirmed its commitment, noting: “The Club remains committed to supporting children living with cancer and continues to play an active role in bringing hope and relief to affected families within the community.”

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is observed annually in September to raise awareness and support for young patients, their families, and the research aimed at finding safer, more effective treatments. The month also promotes the gold ribbon as the universal symbol for childhood cancer and often features fundraising drives, advocacy efforts, and awareness campaigns. The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced on Saturday that approximately 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year—equivalent to three children every four minutes. Alarmingly, 90 per cent of these cases occur in low- and middle-income countries, where survival rates are as low as 20 per cent. In contrast, children in high-income countries have survival rates exceeding 80 per cent, making childhood cancer one of the starkest examples of global health inequality.

WHO emphasised that behind every statistic is a personal story. At a recent national childhood cancer stakeholder workshop in Egypt, four survivors shared how their journeys shaped their outlook on life and underscored the critical role of peer support, family and health care providers in helping them endure treatment. The session was inaugurated by Egypt’s Minister of Health and Population, Dr Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, who listened as survivors spoke about resilience, support, and the need for policies that centre the voices of children and adolescents facing cancer. The Essequibo Coast Lions Club’s gesture reflects this spirit of solidarity, reminding the community that even small contributions can make a big difference for families navigating the hardships of childhood cancer.