2024 October – December Newsletter

1stPeads Oncology Training

We’re excited to announce that a 10-day intensive pediatric oncology training for medical professionals from newly inducted centers in the National Cancer Care Network took place with doctors, nurses, and pharmacists from Iringa, Ikonda, Ndanda, and Karatu hospitals participated. The training equipped 14 participants with essential skills in early diagnosis, treatment, and holistic care for children with cancer, building capacity at regional centers and improving access to quality care across Tanzania. Together, we’re creating a national network of excellence in pediatric oncology to save lives and transform the future of cancer care.

5th Kibubu Collection at Kidz Kollege

A huge congratulations to the wonderful students, staff, and families of Kidz Kollege for raising an incredible TSh 4,340,000 million as part of the Kibubu Campaign! Since the launch on the 2nd of September, the campaign has inspired a community of young heroes to take action for childhood cancer patients in Tanzania. Every shilling raised brings us closer to providing life-saving treatments and care for these brave children.

Thank you, Kidz Kollege, for your kindness, compassion, and commitment to making a difference!

5th Kibubu Collection at Little Scholars

A heartfelt hank you to the Little Scholars preSchool for their incredible fundraising efforts in support of the Kibubu campaign! Through their hard work and dedication, they raised over Tsh 3.4 million to support childhood cancer awareness and treatment. Your generosity and commitment to making a difference are truly appreciated! 

5th Artist in Residence Winner

Congratulations to Hassam Chamzim for being the lucky artist to win the Artist in Residence program at Killruddery House and Gardens!! We believe it is a well-deserved recognition of your artistic abilities, and we are sure you’ll make the most of this exciting opportunity. Wishing you all the best during your residency!

12th Adolescent Talk

The Adolescent Talk was an incredible experience filled with learning and inspiration!!! We are deeply grateful to our phenomenal speakers—Mr. Alex, Mr. Abel, Dr. Primus, and Sr. Rehema for delivering such engaging and insightful sessions. They covered crucial topics such as health, entrepreneurship, life after treatment, and navigating puberty, empowering the teens with valuable knowledge. The discussions opened their eyes to new possibilities, sparking curiosity and resulting in plenty of thoughtful questions. It was truly a transformative day, and we’re excited to continue these conversations! Thank you to everyone who participated in making this session a success. 

15th BAPS Charities

We had the pleasure of welcoming The BAPS Charities as they explored opportunities to support childhood cancer services. Their visit gave us the chance to walk them through our various projects and programs, highlighting the impact we are making in the fight against childhood cancer. From diagnosis to treatment and holistic care, we shared our mission to give every child a chance at life, and it was incredible to see their enthusiasm and commitment. 

We’re excited about the potential of this new collaboration, and the difference we can make together for children battling cancer. Thank you, BAPS Charities, for your interest and dedication to this important cause! We look forward to many great things ahead.

15th TLM in Hawaii

We are thrilled to share that Jane and Eliwangu had the privilege of attending the 56th International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) conference held in Hawaii. This prestigious event brought together global leaders and experts in the field of pediatric oncology, providing an invaluable platform for sharing the latest research, advancements, and best practices in childhood cancer care. During the conference, they had the opportunity to engage with specialists from around the world, attend workshops, discuss innovative approaches to treating childhood cancer and partake in the CCI 30th anniversary celebration. The experience enriched their knowledge, allowing them to bring back fresh insights and new strategies that will strengthen our ongoing efforts here at home. We are excited for how their participation will further enhance our work in supporting childhood cancer patients and their families, as we continue to strive for better outcomes and expanded services.

24th Feza International Donates

Sending a big thank you to the management and students of Feza International for such a generous visit where these lovely students donated 100 liters of honey and toys for the children with the value of Tsh 1.2 million. 

24th Tamil Sangam Donation

A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Kartik and the entire Tamil Sangam community for their generous donation of infusion pumps worth Tsh 10 million. Your support is invaluable in helping us provide essential care for children undergoing cancer treatment. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and commitment to making a difference! 

29th Apton School Kibubu Collection

A heartfelt congratulations to the children, parents and entire Apton school community for raising over Tsh 6.4 million as part of the September childhood cancer awareness kibubu campaign! We are truly grateful for your dedication and continuous support 

29th Dr. Trish in Germany

Dr. Trish Scanlan recently delivered an inspiring lecture to Pediatric Global Health students in Germany. Her presentation focused on childhood cancer services in Tanzania, providing insights into the challenges and successes of developing pediatric oncology care in resource-limited settings. The discussion highlighted Tumaini La Maisha’s comprehensive approach, emphasizing early diagnosis, treatment accessibility, and holistic care for children and their families. This engagement underscores the importance of international collaboration in improving outcomes for children with cancer.

1st Bid for Life 5

We are excited to launch the 5^th Bid for life art auction that featured a stunning collection of over 180 beautiful and creative pieces. The bids on these remarkable pieces takes us a step closer to reaching our vision and providing essential services to children battling cancer in Tanzania and we are excited to announce that an astounding 25,000 Euros was raised from the auction.

3rd Annika Takes on Istanbul Marathon

A huge congratulations to Annika for running 42km at the Istanbul Marathon yesterday and raising over Tsh 3.5 million funds for childhood cancer services in Tanzania!!  Your determination and dedication inspire us all as you continue to make a difference, helping children and families in their fight against cancer.  Thank you, Annika, for going the extra mile for childhood cancer patients in Tanzania!!! 

7thKids Go to The Beach

The kids had an incredibly fun day at Coco beach yesterday. They enjoyed the sunshine, ocean breeze, and some much-needed playtime on the sand and in the water. For our young fighters and their caregivers, this escape from the hospital was a moment to breathe, bond, and simply be kids. A huge thanks to all our friends and supporters who made this outing possible! Every moment like this brings hope, resilience, and strength to continue the fight. Let’s keep lifting these children up. 

9thUWC Student Volunteers

We extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible students from UWC who dedicated their week to volunteering at Ujasiri. Their energy and compassion brought so much joy to the children as they prepared delicious smoothies, read engaging stories, and introduced exciting new skills and activities.

11th Survivor Benard Shares His Story

From battling bone cancer to earning a full scholarship at UWC, Benard’s story is one of resilience, strength, and hope! Now pursuing his A-level studies at UWC, Benard returned to inspire others, sharing his journey with parents during our recent support group session. His words reminded us all that no challenge is too great and that hope can truly change lives.

Join us in celebrating Benard’s achievements and in spreading hope to families on similar journeys.

12th Clever Charts

Dr Magreth visited St. Francis Hospital in Ifakara and had the opportunity to meet with the Pediatric team, including Dr. Gingo, who is the Head of Clinical Services and introduced them to TLM’s mission and the services offered. Dr Magreth had the opportunity to present the Clever Charts and the electronic database for tracking patient follow-ups. Over the course of the visit, she also conducted ward rounds, discussed childhood cancer symptoms, and successfully enrolled patients into the Clever Chart system.

15th Dr. Trish Presents at BlooDHIT

Dr. Trish Scanlan had the honor of presenting at the Dublin International Conference – BlooDHIT 2024, where she highlighted the development of childhood cancer services in Tanzania. Her presentation showcased the critical role of collaboration with transfusion services in improving treatment outcomes. Dr. Trish shared the successes and challenges of ensuring reliable access to lifesaving blood products for children with cancer, emphasizing the transformative impact of partnerships and innovation in resource-limited settings. This presentation further strengthened global efforts to enhance pediatric oncology care.

16th Harvest Moon Gala

We are over the moon to share the incredible success of the Harvest moon gala Charity Ball! Thanks to the generosity and support of everyone who attended and donated, we raised an astounding €25,000 for childhood cancer services. Your contributions will make a world of difference in providing life-saving care and support to children and families in need. Thank you for making this event such a memorable and impactful evening!

17th Bid For Life 5 Ends

The Bid for Life 5 art auction concluded with remarkable success, raising an incredible €25,000 to support childhood cancer services in Tanzania. This event showcased the power of art and community, bringing together artists, donors, and supporters united by a shared purpose. A heartfelt thank you to the artists who generously donated their amazing creations and to everyone who participated and contributed to making this initiative a resounding success!

18th Irish Embassy Annual Partnership Meeting

We had the privilege of attending the Annual Partnership Meeting hosted by the Embassy of Ireland—a truly enriching gathering that united organizations committed to making a positive impact. The event served as an incredible platform for collaboration, learning, and inspiration, showcasing the remarkable work being done across diverse sectors. One of the highlights was the storytelling panel, which beautifully underscored the power of sharing authentic experiences. Stories of resilience, innovation, and collaboration sparked meaningful discussions, adding a deeply human dimension to the data and strategies shared. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the Embassy of Ireland for their unwavering support and dedication to this partnership. Your collaboration has been instrumental in driving our mission forward, and we are profoundly thankful for the shared vision that has enabled these achievements.
Here’s to continued collaboration, shared successes, and creating a lasting impact together for childhood cancer services in Tanzania!

18th TLM Goes to London

Dr. Trish, together with Koki, had the honor of presenting Tumaini la Maisha’s transformative work in childhood cancer care in Tanzania to the Global Health Master’s class at the prestigious London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.The presentation highlighted both the challenges of delivering quality healthcare in resource-limited settings and the remarkable achievements in building sustainable cancer services. We are proud to share our journey and vision for a future where no child is left behind. 

22nd

International RB Net Meeting

Our colleague at KCMC, Dr. Esther, had the honor of presenting at the International RB NET online meeting. She shared insights and discussed complex retinoblastoma cases with esteemed international colleagues. This opportunity highlights the growing recognition of expertise within our team and the value of global collaboration in advancing care for children with retinoblastoma. Congratulations to Dr. Esther for representing Tanzania on this international platform!

23rd Turning Wheels Ride to Tanga for TLM

A huge thank you to Turning Wheels for their incredible dedication to raising awareness for childhood cancer! Through their partnership with cycling lovers, they not only completed an impressive 10km ride in Dar es Salaam but also went above and beyond, cycling over 300km from Dar to Tanga! We are truly in awe of your commitment, energy, and determination to support this cause. Your efforts inspire us all and bring hope to so many children and families. 

28th Happy Thanksgiving

As we gather to celebrate the spirit of giving and gratitude, we want to say a heartfelt THANK YOU to our incredible donors, friends, and supporters!! Because of your kindness and generosity, countless of children with cancer in Tanzania have received hope, healing, and a brighter future. Together, we’ve made miracles happen- whether through donations, time, or spreading the word, every single one of you has played a part in transforming lives. Here’s to continuing this journey of love and impact—because together, we are unstoppable. Happy Thanksgiving!! 

29th Friends of TLM Meeting

We hosted the Friends of TLM meeting—a truly engaging and inspiring gathering! 

We highlighted:

-TLM updates & progress

-Key achievements throughout the years

-Challenges we’ve faced & innovative solutions

-Exciting plans for the future

A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who attended in person and online. Your support has made a tremendous difference in the lives of children battling cancer in Tanzania. What a perfect way to reflect on our journey and wrap up the year with our incredible friends, donors, and supporters. Here’s to more milestones and impact in the year ahead! 

1st 12 Day of Christmas Campaign

This holiday season, we did a count down with 12 Days of Christmas, a festive campaign to bring joy and hope to childhood cancer patients in Tanzania. Each day, we shared a special way YOU can make a difference—whether it’s donating, spreading awareness, or supporting our mission. Together, we can turn the season of giving into a season of healing.  Click the link here to see the campaign. 

2nd Giving Tuesday

Jema Foundation, in partnership with the Foundation for Civil Society, organized a Giving Tuesday event at Ujasiri Hostel, where they spent quality time with children. The visit brought joy, hope, and support to the children, highlighting the importance of community and generosity. The event was part of a global effort to encourage acts of kindness and giving. Thank you to all who supported this initiative and contributed to improving the lives of childhood cancer patients in Tanzania.

4th Smile Foundation Donates

A huge thank you to Smile Foundation for their thoughtful visit and generous donations! They brought essential items, including diapers, nutritional ingredients, toiletries, and medical consumables, all valued at over 1 million Tsh. Your support plays a crucial role in helping us provide care and comfort to the children and families we serve. We are incredibly grateful for your kindness and commitment to making a difference! 

4th

Wilms Tumour Symposium

The Upendo team of doctors had the privilege of presenting at the Wilms Tumor Symposium held at MUHAS. They showcased multiple complex Wilms tumor cases, sharing their experiences and insights with students and faculty. This symposium provided a valuable platform to highlight the challenges and achievements in managing pediatric cancer cases in Tanzania, fostering knowledge exchange and inspiring future healthcare professionals. The Upendo team’s dedication continues to set a standard for excellence in childhood cancer care.

3rd Wings of Support Visit

A heartfelt thank you to Wings of Support for their recent visit, where they brought joy to the children with toys, accessories, and sweet treats! Your generosity brought smiles to so many faces, and we are truly grateful for your kindness and ongoing support. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of these wonderful children

8th Literacy of Tanzania

We were delighted to welcome Literacy of Tanzania for a heartwarming visit! They spent quality time with the children, sharing and reading captivating stories that sparked imagination and joy. In addition, they generously donated stationery sets and books worth over 400,000 Tsh, ensuring the children have the tools to continue learning and growing. Thank you for your kindness and commitment to nurturing young minds and brightening their days! 

9th Adolf Associates Donates

We extend our sincere gratitude to Adolf Associates for their incredible generosity during their recent visit. Their thoughtful donations included nutritional ingredients, toiletries, and a big speaker for the classroom, all valued at an amazing Tsh 2.5 million! Your kindness and support are making a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and their families. Thank you for being a part of this journey and helping to create a brighter future! 

14th Reader Rabbits Champion Kibubu Campaign

A huge thank you to Reader Rabbits and Baybridge School for inviting us to their wonderful end-of-year Christmas party! It was an absolute joy to celebrate the season with such a warm and welcoming community. We also want to extend a massive congratulations to the students, parents, and the entire Baybridge community for becoming the TLM Kibubu Champs, raising an incredible Tsh 26 million as part of the Kibubu campaign! Your generosity and dedication are truly inspiring, and your contributions will make a meaningful impact on the lives of children battling cancer. 

16th Turning Wheels Spread Holiday Cheer

A heartfelt thank you to Turning Wheels for spreading holiday cheer by gifting the children with wonderful Christmas hampers! Your thoughtful gesture brought big smiles and warm hearts, making the festive season even more special for the children and their families. Your kindness and generosity truly embody the spirit of giving, and we are so grateful for your continued support.

17th Christmas Fair at Slipway

From 17th to 31st December, the Slipway buzzed with festive cheer during the Christmas Fair, highlighted by a special art exhibition that went beyond aesthetics—it carried a heartfelt purpose. Every artwork purchased directly contributed to supporting children with cancer on their journey to recovery. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the talented artists who tirelessly champion the TLM mission in countless ways, and to everyone who joined in spreading joy this holiday season. Together, we turned art into a powerful force for hope and healing. 

25th Seasonal Greetings

This Christmas, you’ve wrapped the greatest gift of all—hope. Thanks to your generosity, children with cancer will experience a season filled with warmth, joy, and support!! Every contribution has brought us closer to brighter tomorrows for these brave little fighters and together, we are truly making a difference. 

From all of us at TLM, and the children and families we serve, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy new year 2025. Thank you for being the light in their lives this holiday season!  

In the tranquil town of Mkuranga, 40kms from Dar es Salaam, Faisal, the youngest in a family of five, was a beacon of joy. His laughter filled the air, and his vibrant energy brightened every corner of his home. He really was the sunniest of children. But at just nine years old, Faisal’s world turned upside down.

It began with recurrent fevers and mysterious bone and joint pains. Gradually, the once-energetic boy found himself unable to walk, confined to his bed. The pain was relentless, turning even the simplest movements into a torment. Eventually he completely lost the movement in his legs and could not even sit up. Bed sores now added to his suffering.

Despite the grim situation, Faisal’s family refused to give up. Their determination led them first to Mkuranga Referral Hospital, where suspicions of cancer emerged. With urgency, Faisal was transferred to Muhimbili National Hospital, where the devastating diagnosis was confirmed: Acute Myeloid Leukemia. This is a type of aggressive blood cancer which needs intensive treatment.

For the first time in months, the family glimpsed hope. With the diagnosis clear, Faisal began treatment. The path was anything but easy, and as Faisal was weak, the chemo was tough and every day brought new challenges. But Faisal faced them with courage beyond his years. He really was determined to get better.

Slowly, signs of progress began to emerge. The painful bed sores that had scarred his body started to heal. He worked harder than any child we’ve cared for on his physio – which was a often painful and exhausting. But his super human efforts paid off. The pain in his legs began to ease, and though he could not yet walk, sitting became a comfort rather than an ordeal.

Through it all, Faisal’s spirit remained unbroken. His laughter, though quieter, began to return, a testament to his resilience. He greeted everyone with a beautiful smile – honestly his spirit made everyone on the ward work harder for him. 

While his journey to walking again continues through physiotherapy, the most daunting battle of his life—against leukemia—has been worth it. Today, Faisal is cancer-free and pain free.

This Christmas, Faisal’s journey shines as an inspiration, reminding us that miracles can emerge even in life’s darkest chapters. 

We also take this moment to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has donated over the years. Your generosity has transformed countless lives, bringing hope and healing to children like Faisal. Thank you for being a part of their journey and for making these miracles possible.