2026 January – March Newsletter

5th A Plant For Life

We proudly recognised the success of the Plant for Life initiative, which raised an incredible TZS 103 million in 2025.

These funds have directly supported chemotherapy treatment in our wards, demonstrating how innovative fundraising approaches can translate into life-saving impact.

19th New team member

Introducing Ms Sekela – the latest member of our TLM team – you can write a bit more

25th Visiting colleague from the US

We were delighted to welcome our friend and colleague, Prof. Chris Duggan, Paediatric Gastroenterologist and Nutrition Specialist from Boston Children’s Hospital, during his recent visit. His time with the team provided valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and discussions on strengthening nutrition and supportive care for children. We deeply appreciate his continued partnership and commitment to improving paediatric healthcare services.

28th School Outreach & Awareness

Our medical and outreach teams visited Brabro Johansen School for an engaging and educational session focused on raising awareness about the early signs and symptoms of childhood cancer. Early detection remains key to improving survival rates, and sessions like these help equip young people with knowledge that can save lives.

The students were also introduced to our Kibubu campaign, a creative fundraising programme that encourages schools to take an active role in supporting children undergoing cancer treatment.

The session was met with enthusiasm, and the students committed to participating in the initiative demonstrating leadership, and a willingness to make a difference in the lives of their peers.

29th Welcoming Irish Volunteers

We were delighted to welcome Ailbhe and Aoileann from Ireland who joined us for five weeks. With a strong background in child development, they worked closely with our Play Therapy team to support the emotional and psychological well-being of children undergoing treatment.

Their presence brought renewed energy and joy to the wards, as they engaged children in creative play, learning activities, and moments of laughter helping make the hospital environment more comforting and child-friendly. Their contribution not only supported the children but also strengthened our team’s capacity to deliver holistic care.

30th Reader Rabbits Champion Kibubu Campaign

The students at Reader Rabbits & Bay Bridge Schools truly outdid themselves during the Kibubu Campaign 2025, donating TZS 22 million towards the treatment of childhood cancer for children at TLM. Thank you for standing in solidarity with your peers.
The funds raised will go towards purchasing chemotherapy drugs, supporting chemotherapy sessions, and covering other essential treatment-related needs to ensure the children receive the care they deserve.
A big congratulations to the students and entire community at Reader Rabbits

1st Braeburn Students Visit TLM

Following their successful fundraising efforts, the students of Braeburn School visited Tumaini La Maisha to officially hand over their donations. More importantly, they spent time with the children; playing, interacting, and sharing moments of joy and connection.

This visit highlighted that giving goes beyond financial support; it is also about showing up and creating meaningful connections. Experiences like these help foster a generation that understands the value of kindness and social responsibility.

2nd Support for Clinical Team

Our clinical team received a generous donation of medical scrubs from Makini Pharma, helping ensure that our healthcare professionals are well-equipped as they continue delivering life-saving care.

This thoughtful contribution not only supports our team practically but also serves as a gesture of appreciation for the tireless work they do every day in treating and supporting children with cancer. Thank you, Makini Pharma, for your thoughtfulness.

4th World Cancer Day

On World Cancer Day, TLM joined partners, healthcare professionals, and cancer survivors at Muhimbili National Hospital to commemorate this important day under the theme #UnitedByUnique.

The event featured powerful and inspiring stories from survivors, highlighting the unique journey of every cancer patient. These stories served as a reminder that while each experience is different, we are united in hope, resilience and the commitment to ensure that no child faces cancer alone.

At TLM, this day reinforced our dedication to walking alongside children and their families from diagnosis through to recovery, while advocating for improved access to care.

6th Maersk Tanzania Visit

We were pleased to host the Maersk Tanzania team, providing an opportunity to share our work, impact and vision for the future.

The visit fostered meaningful conversations around potential collaboration and partnership opportunities aimed at strengthening support for children with cancer. We look forward to building a lasting relationship that contributes to expanding access to quality care.

10th BAPS Charities Donation

We extend our deepest gratitude to BAPS Charities Tanzania for their incredible generosity in raising TZS 25 million in support of children battling cancer.

This contribution will go a long way in supporting treatment and care, bringing hope to children and their families during some of their most challenging moments. It is through partnerships like these that we are able to continue transforming lives.

10th IGHF – Palliative Care Seminar

Dr. Trish was honoured to be invited by the Irish Global Health Forum to participate in a panel discussion on the contribution of Irish specialists to the field of palliative care in Africa. The session highlighted the importance of global collaboration and shared expertise in strengthening palliative care services across the continent.

14-15th TLM Inaugural Annual Partners Meeting

The TLM 2026 Annual Partners Meeting brought together representatives from 13 partner sites across Tanzania for two days of collaboration, learning, and strategic planning.

Day one focused on key technical areas including pharmacy, treatment protocols and outreach allowing for in-depth discussions on improving service delivery.

Day two provided an opportunity to reflect on the 2021–2025 strategic journey and begin shaping the future of the National Childhood Cancer Network. Key focus areas included education and training, access to diagnostics, palliative care, research, survivorship, sustainability, and advocacy.

This meeting reinforced the importance of collaboration in strengthening health systems and ensuring that children across the country can access timely, high-quality cancer care.

26th Hearing Specialist Visit

We were delighted to welcome back Ms Hilary Harkin who visited the paediatric oncology ward and donated hearing aids, hearing assessment devices and offered essential training. We are always delighted to see Hilary and grateful for all her support. Her husband also visited MNH and worked with local colleagues in the ENT department.

8th International Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day, we celebrated the incredible women who form the backbone of TLM. From healthcare professionals to support staff, their dedication, compassion and resilience play a vital role in delivering care and support to our patients and their families.

Their contributions continue to inspire and strengthen our mission.

2nd New Partnership

Dr. Trish visited our friends at the APAX Foundation, where we officially launched our new relationship and collaboration. The visit marked an exciting step forward in strengthening partnerships and working together towards shared goals in supporting children and families.

5th Visit From Irish Minister

We were honoured to welcome Minister Christopher O’Sullivan, Ambassador Nicola Brennan, and the Embassy of Ireland in Tanzania team to TLM.

Their continued support plays a crucial role in enabling us to provide life-saving care and expand access to services for children with cancer across the country. Partnerships like these are instrumental in strengthening healthcare systems and improving outcomes for patients.

8th Volunteer Spotlight

We celebrated Joyce Richardson, who returned today for two more weeks at TLM. Her time was filled with energy, creativity and dedication. From teaching dance routines for performances to supporting play therapy and social programmes, her impact was felt across the organisation.

Her warmth and enthusiasm created meaningful experiences for the children, leaving lasting memories for both the team and patients.

Thank you, Joyce, for your dedication and warmth you’ve shared with the children and team and we can’t wait to welcome you back again next year!

16th St Patrick’s Charity Ball

The 2026 St. Patrick’s Charity Ball was an elegant evening filled with fun, dancing and laughter all in support of a very important cause: raising funds for childhood cancer treatment in Tanzania. The children who performed were the highlight of the evening – many thanks to Joyce for working so hard with the children.

We are incredibly grateful to all our sponsors and supporters who made this special night possible. Your generosity means the world to the children at Tumaini La Maisha. In just one night, we raised an incredible $61,000 a true testament to the power of togetherness.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you again at the next St. Patrick’s Charity Ball. Click here for a glimpse of the evening.

16th Tubingen Professor Visits Upendo

We were thrilled and honoured when Prof Martin Ebinger came to visit and work along side our clinical team and provide mentorship and training for the Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Fellows. This was Prof Martin’s second visit and we hope he comes back soon.

17th Rumaina’s Wish Comes True

Through our Make-A-Wish Programme, five-year-old Rumaina, who loves singing, had her dream come true when she received her very own microphone and speaker.

This special moment, made possible through a generous donation from Jigna Shah which brought joy, excitement and a sense of normalcy to her journey. Wish-granting plays an important role in emotional healing, reminding children that their dreams matter.

Click here if you would like to adopt a wish to help bring joy and hope to the brave children battling cancer at Tumaini La Maisha.

22nd Strengthening Partnerships for 2026

Dr. Trish visited our wonderful colleagues and friends at KCMC to discuss plans for deeper partnership and collaboration with TLM in 2026. The discussions focused on strengthening joint efforts to improve care and support for children and families, while building on the strong relationship between the two institutions.

26th Dreams for the future

Our young patients shared their dreams- bold, hopeful and inspiring visions of the future. These moments serve as a powerful reminder of why our work matters and the importance of continuing to support children beyond treatment, helping them look forward to brighter futures.

Click the link below to see the beautiful video of the children’s dreams. Click here

31st DHL Women’s Day Visit

We were honoured to host the incredible women of DHL, our long-standing partners, as they celebrated Women’s Day with us.

Their visit was filled with thoughtful gifts, meaningful interactions, and shared moments of joy. Together, we continue to uplift and support children and families on their cancer journey.