2026: Each September Madeleine Vlok and her family host an online fundraiser to support our CANSA TLC Programme which supports children and teens affected by cancer.
This is the Vlok family’s 14th year of supporting children and teens with cancer through CANSA TLC!
Says Madeleine Vlok:
This is our family’s 14th Annual Paediatric Cancer Awareness / Fundraising Campaign: “Rally for Relief”.
We feel honored to create awareness through our work with the Paediatric Cancer Research Foundation in Irvine USA, and to raise funds for CANSA TLC, South Africa.
We have a matching donation for the first $15 000 raised this month. That means your donation could have double the impact!
Every donation has a real life impact, no matter the amount!
Purpose of Fundraiser
“Funds raised help CANSA TLC afford life changing cancer treatment devices like broviac / port catheters (used for critical chemotherapy infusions, administration of medicines / fluids, as well as repetitive blood draws) which help avoid the trauma to a child or teen of having needles inserted into their skin repetitively during treatment.
Also prosthetic eyes (retinoblastoma is a prevalent paediatric cancer in South Africa), as well as a variety of paediatric mobility devices, and other medical necessities.
Funds will also help afford nutrition packages for those in need.
During our visits to CANSA TLC in South Africa, we see firsthand how the donations and the work done by CANSA TLC positively impacts families,” says Madeleine.
YOUR DONATION COUNTS – DONATE NOW
Vlok Family 2026
About the Vlok Family Fundraiser for CANSA’s TLC Children
Madeleine Vlok and family raise funds to support awareness and care & support for those who have been affected by Childhood Cancer, every year, during September, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Says Madeleine, “We thank you for donating towards our fundraiser. No child or family should have to face cancer on their own…”
Background Vlok Family Fundraiser
Madeleine explains:
Many ask why we run our annual campaign.
In memory and honor of our Mom / Grandma and others’ brave fight against cancer, we are inspired to give back.
Our 3 boys have been part of our fundraiser and awareness campaign since day one and help raise awareness of childhood / teen cancers.
We encourage our kids to always look out for others, and there is something powerful about kids helping kids. A community effort spreads awareness and creates empathy and charitable hearts in all of us.
Although we live in the US, we love, respect, and honour our roots and where we came from.
We feel humbled and honored to work with CANSA TLC in South Africa every year.
YOUR DONATION COUNTS – DONATE NOW
TLC Support Beneficiaries
In the past financial year this included providing 56 implanted chemotherapy ports, 13 venous catheters, 352 needles, 318 dressings and 9 mobility aids (wheelchairs / strollers); 52 bone needle soft lines; emotionally supporting 166 teens / young adults; providing specialised nutrition to 58 children; food support intervention to 228 recipients; and assisting 38 children with end-of-life care. Read more…
Why Raise Money For Port-a-Cath and Broviac Implants:
We are raising funds specifically for the purchase of lifesaving port-a-cath and broviac implants, for kids who are not covered by medical aids, to be used by young cancer patients in South Africa. A child with a port will experience less needle pricks and the obstacle of finding a vein will be removed.
What is a Port-a-Cath?
A port (or port-a-cath) is a small medical appliance that is installed beneath the skin. A catheter connects the port to a vein. Under the skin, the port has a septum through which medicine can be injected and blood samples can be drawn many times, usually with less discomfort for the patient than a more typical “needle stick”.
This is a lifesaving device for a cancer patient, during regular chemotherapy sessions, but also in cases of emergency, where doctors might need to administer medicine / fluids quickly.
Most chemotherapy patients struggle with the “health” of their veins during their treatment thus making it very difficult to access the veins sometimes. The port-a-cath makes it quick and efficient to access veins directly.
- Baby Jess benefits from broviac during cancer treatment…
- James – long-term treatment more bearable with broviac implant…
Help Save a Young Life and Make Treatment Easier:
All funds will be earmarked for and received by CANSA’s TLC Programme. No donation is too small to make a difference and donations will add up to cover the costs of these lifesaving ports. The cost of a port in South Africa is approximately R4 500, including port needles for the duration of treatment. The cost of a paediatric nutrition package is R350.
Vera van Dalen (CANSA TLC):
“Making a difference and offering support is a privilege. Over the years CANSA TLC has reached out to childhood oncology units, offering support in various ways.
Our prosthetic and disability support includes ports and broviacs, artificial eyes, wheelchairs, different medical lines, dressing and nutritional support. Over time our ability to provide support grew, enabling us to reach out in more ways and making a difference in more oncology units, thus helping more oncology kids.
We have responded to requests and donated to paediatric patients and oncology units in Durban, Cape Town, Polokwane, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Kimberly and Port Elizabeth.
We will continue to raise the bar in our support in order to bless little people affected by cancer.”
About CANSA’s TLC Programme
CANSA TLC (Tough Living with Cancer) is a programme for children and teens diagnosed with cancer or affected by cancer (a family member has cancer). Support is provided to the family as a whole.
Read more about CANSA’s TLC Programmme or contact Anina Meiring, email: ameiring@cansa.org.za
