Motivating

Motivating and touching quotes from our primeovers and from survivors all over the world.

GLOBAL CHILD HEALTH PRIMEMOVERS WALL

“Like too many Americans, preventing childhood cancer is a cause very close to our hearts. We lost our Robin more than 60 years ago, but a day rarely goes by we don’t think of our little girl, especially when we see other children and their families struggling with cancer. We are very grateful to all the supporters and organizers of International Childhood Cancer Day, whose dream we share of a day when all children and their families can get the help they need. It is a dream that MUST come true.”

George and Barbara Bush, Former President - The United States of America (USA)

“The chance for a cure, the chance to live, should not be an accident of geography. There is nothing scarier than realizing that your child has cancer. However, there is nothing more tragic than knowing that treatment and cure does exist for your particular child’s cancer and with excellent outcomes, BUT… that it is not available for your child. Why? Because your child happens to live in the wrong hemisphere! It is time to take action to stop this cruel atrocity …make your voices heard on International Childhood Cancer Day and demand from world leaders to ACT and HELP SAVE ALL CHILDREN regardless of where they live!”

HRH Princess Dina Mired (Jordan), Former President, Union for International Cancer Control, Mother of a Childhood Cancer Survivor

“The majority of children with potentially curable cancers can get cured even in low-resource settings, and all children with advanced cancer can benefit from pain relief and palliative care. Children’s rights cannot be fulfilled and protected unless preventing and treating cancers is included as a priority within national cancer control programmes.

Together with NGOs such as Childhood Cancer International (formerly ICCCPO), WHO is strongly committed to supporting national efforts to control childhood cancers in low- and middle-income countries and to reach all children in need, wherever they are excluded and left behind. If we overcome the barriers that have kept these children from the services that they need and that are theirs by right, then more will grow up healthy and realize their full potential.”

Dr. Oleg Chestnov, Former Assistant Director-General Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health World Health Organization (WHO)

“A child with cancer casts a long shadow on families, communities and society as a whole. I take this opportunity to highlight the need for effective cancer treatments to be available to all children, wherever they happen to live, but also for increased efforts from the international community to understand the occurrence, causes and ways to prevent this most devastating of conditions.

On behalf of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, I am delighted to launch a new and wide-reaching report on the occurrence of childhood cancer in 80 countries worldwide on the occasion of the International Childhood Cancer Day 2017.

Reliable information is a vital foundation for planning and providing the resources needed to diagnose and treat children with cancer. However, the information also brings into sharp relief our limited understanding of what causes cancer in children and, as a result, the lack of opportunities available for prevention. “

Dr. Christopher P. Wild, Former Director, International Agency for Research on Cancer

“It is genuine cause for celebration that the prognosis for childhood cancer in the USA has improved as a result of better and more timely diagnosis and advances in therapy.

Our satisfaction with this welcome advance must be tempered by the fact that the situation in the poor countries of the world is very different. For those children diagnosed with cancer, life is usually short and the end painful, as the availability of palliative care is woefully inadequate. This day should therefore be one in which we rejoice in the advance, and join efforts to reduce the global inequity around childhood cancer.”

Sir George Alleyne, Director Emeritus, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)

“The idea of “unity is strength” was what moved us, nearly 30 years ago to found ICCCPO (now CCI), to advocate more efficiently for the needs of our children and adolescents with cancer. Nowadays, CCI and its partnership with international organizations working to make childhood cancer a public health priority, make us parents even more convinced that joining our voices; consolidating our efforts and coordinating our initiatives, we can win the fight against childhood cancer. Many goals have been achieved, but many more pressing challenges remain.
Don’t stay thinking, ACT NOW!”

Sr. Jesús Ma González Marín with his son Jesús (1981 -1989), First Chairman of ICCCPO (now CCI) Board of Trustees

Every year 400.000 children are diagnosed with cancer. Every year there are 400.000 children and families whose lives will change dramatically with this diagnosis. All these families will do the impossible to save their children. It is up to us, the global childhood cancer community, to contribute to the future of these children. It is up to us to erase from our reports the statistics that say:  every 3 minutes a child dies of cancer.

On International Childhood Cancer Day, we speak with one voice: the voice of children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer from all over the world, especially where survival rates are scandalously low. On this date the whole childhood cancer community holds hands to draw attention to this human challenge. We must – and we can – improve survival rates, especially in LMIC. On ICCD we also look at everything that is being done – from Latin America to Europe, from Asia to Africa – and fill our hearts with hope. In every corner of the world, we see progress, partnership, dedication, competence.

All over the world parents and caretakers play a vital role in the future of children with cancer. Better survival is possible. And it is achievable through their hands. ​

Mr João de Bragança, President, Childhood Cancer International

Every day more than 1,000 children are diagnosed with cancer. This represents a life-changing journey for families all over the world.

Childhood cancer is curable for the vast majority of children when diagnosis is made timely and essential diagnostic, therapeutic and supportive care services are accessible. However, inequalities in outcomes exist within and between countries, particularly for the majority of the world’s children who live in low- and middle-income countries.​

Everywhere in the world, there are motivated, skilled and hard-working health care professionals and members of the civil society and governmental agencies that fight tirelessly with families to save more children. Step by step, progress is being made in all settings as the experience in many low and middle-income countries show. SIOP, in association with WHO and CCI supports our workforce with education, partnerships and advocacy so we can join forces to achieve more together. Each and every one of us have a role and we all are partners in this journey. Every International Childhood Cancer Day is an opportunity to give hope to the children and families and a tribute to everyone involved in the care of children and adolescents with cancer who dream of a better future.

Dr. Guillermo Chantada, President, The International Society of Paediatric Oncology

GLOBAL CHILDHOOD CANCER SURVIVOR COURAGE WALL

Children with cancer can’t fight it alone, together we can fight it and win.

Prince - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, Ghana, Africa

As someone famous once said, “ I’m am glad to still be here”, as simple as that, even now more than ever, I cannot fathom that I am still here, but I am, for that I am truly grateful.

Naz - Liver Cancer , South Africa, Africa

They say disability is not inability. But I say sickness is surely not incapability.
Chadwick Boseman aka the Black Panther, ‎was a fighter..he fought to bring pride to the African Race.
He was an Icon and showed that being black was not being weak.. He did all this despite fighting his own battle of cancer behind the scenes.
I fought my battle with cancer, Now my question is will you fight to finish your race strong and be a great somebody or will you sit back and die full of regrets thinking about what could have been…?
I did it and so can you.

Jacqueline - Wilims Tumour, Zimbabwe, Africa

On 2006 I started chemotherapy treatment and enrolled in the in-hospital school of Fundación Nuestros Hijos, to continue my studies. However, I felt unenthusiastic and absent. Together with my mother, we moved to live into the home-away home of Fundacion Nuestros Hijos. My life changed from that moment on. Sharing with other children and families who were living a similar experience allowed me to see the future with more hope.
“When I run, I feel a freedom and a feeling of happiness that is not comparable to anything else. It is my way of thanking life for being alive ”

Pablo - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Chile, Americas

Life after cancer makes us better humans, more grateful and loving more. You need to have a lot of courage and hope to handle with cancer in my case my difficult moment was when I lost my hair, in a teenager her hair is everything but today I tell you HAIR IS NOT EVERYTHING. It grows again and more beautiful. Today I encourage you to be brave, better days will come.

Ercilia - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Dominican Republic, Americas

To me, “better survival” means that I have family and friends to help you along the way. To hate the cancer but love your life. Having a great doctor that cares. To get and ask for help when you are having a hard time. Being able to just smile even after all I gave been through. Having and finding great support groups. My biggest help was going to camps when I could. Knowing I wasn’t the only one fighting cancer.

Abby - Medulloblastoma, USA, Americas

“Better survival” means hope, and a future with better and more effect treatment

Ava - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, USA, Americas

To me “better survival” means a higher quality of life and by that I mean not just surviving by living. When going through cancer you learn the difference between surviving and living. Surviving gives you no quality of life. Living lets you experience the emotions that comes with surviving, your good days and your bad. Better survival lets you transition to living. You will never quite know what living means until your life is almost taken from you but what is most important is that you live every day to the fullest.

Hannah - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, USA, Americas

Better survival to me means being able to live my life as normal as possible despite my late effects of childhood cancer.

Juanita - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, USA, Americas

We are born strong. From our heads to our hearts through our hands.

Dana - Rhabdomyosarcoma, Lebanon, Eastern Mediterranean

Never forget the value of this beautiful life! Keep fighting, dreaming and believing no matter what! You are stronger than you think!

Maryline - AML, Lebanon, Eastern Mediterranean

Don’t hate hard conflicts you face they create a tough and unbreakable personality.

Sirine - Hodgkin's lymphoma-chest wall mass , Lebanon, Eastern Mediterranean

I have a token with me from my cancer journey which is also one of MAHAK’s slogans: ‘Cancer is not the end’.

Ali - Sarcoma, Iran, Eastern Mediterranean

I always do paintings. My paintings express my wishes for my friends in MAHAK and I ask God to grant health to all of them.

Rozhan - Ganglio-blastoma , Iran, Eastern Mediterranean

We as survivor representatives of CCI Europe support the campaign #throughourhands wholeheartedly. We believe that we can make a change if we are united.
Being cured from cancer does not always mean that you are well. Up to 75% of survivors deal with late effects. We see a worldwide lack of structure for psychosocial and medical follow-up care. They need to be developed. Survivors like us need comprehensive and age-appropriate information about the risks they can expect due to their cancer and treatments, what to do about their late effects, and where to turn to. In order to increase a better survival worldwide, more research must be carried out to improve drugs, reduce late-effects and optimize long-term care.

Jaap, Harun, Carina, Zuzana Survivor representatives of the CCI Europe Regional Committee, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean

“Having cancer is sure for death” is the biggest stigma of the society affecting the treatment of cancer in most of the underprivileged family in many poor countries like India. But, childhood cancer is curable if diagnosed early and treated properly, so let’s join our hands and raise our voices for better survivorship fighting against these stigmas

Akriti - Acute Myeloid Leukemia, India, South East Asia

Cancer makes us Stronger. It’s an opportunity to change in ourselves towards bravery, finding purpose in life, values and life ethics. Each Stronger one when will hold hands together then the change in each individual-self, can make together a big difference.

Saurabh - Ewing Sarcoma , India, South East Asia

People used to say that this disease is contagious. But cancer is not a contagious disease. It is possible to recover completely if the disease is treated at the right time.so let’s join our hand and raise our voice for better fighting against these stigmas.

Tithi - Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia, India, South East Asia

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only option you have. Don’t give up.

Rama - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Indonesia, South East Asia

I become survives not because I had strong. But I had been strong by the people who are always by my side and giving pray up to me.

Fajar - Osteosarcoma, Indonesia, South East Asia

Struggle is the real key for healthy and the way of cancer warrior’s run-out. They are never giving up for being healed.

Melani - Leukemia , Indonesia, South East Asia

If God give you one temptation, all you have to do is face it with joy and hope. Believe it for tomorrow, the God will give you good news from what you did yesterday. Indeed, you are the luckiest and strongest person chosen by God.

Rofifah - Osteosarcoma , Indonesia, South East Asia

My leukemia is not contagious, my spirit does!

Sazkia - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Indonesia, South East Asia

Childhood cancer was only a chapter in my growth story. It didn’t kill my body nor my spirit!

Patrick - Osteosarcoma, Hong Kong SAR, China, Western Pacific

After overcoming cancer, I want to survive better to have a fruitful and enjoyable life!

Keiko - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Japan, Western Pacific

Never give up on fighting cancer, the beauty of life after cancer is very worth fighting for..

Fakhri - Brain Cancer, Malaysia, Western Pacific

Fighting cancer feels like voyaging through hundreds of miles of mountains and valleys. But, the fact that I’m not travelling alone makes the journey, and the pain that comes with it more bearable.

Winnie - Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Malaysia, Western Pacific

I am celebrating 10 years of remission this year! Now the whole ordeal is just a slightly difficult chapter of a beautiful story. This is primary due to three things: early diagnosis, proper treatment and wholistic support from CHOC.

Nicola - Ovarian Germ Cell Tumour, South Africa, Africa

Treatment wasn’t hard, I just had to be very patient. It took a long time to get better but I kicked cancer in the face with my hurting shoes and I survived. Now I’m normal and I’m happy.

Seth - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, South Africa, Africa

When cancer comes knocking on your door, you are 12 and playing by the roadside. This visitor’s face is new, it looks harmless. This visitor is passing by, you think. You start with the pleasantries. Cancer says they have been around, they are happy to be here. You smile. First you share the candy, they ask for water. You give the bread, they demand for more. You think nothing much of it. Until you wake up one day, and realize there is little left.
But cancer is still asking for more, taking more. So, you start to fight. This is your house, after all.

Michelle - Osteogenic Sarcoma, Zimbabwe, Africa

When I was 4, I was diagnosed with a bladder tumor. I went through chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, half of my bladder was removed and suffered difficult times due to the adverse reactions of the treatment. I felt awfully, both physically and emotionally, and I lost my hair. With the help of God and my parents, I concluded my treatment. I am currently 21 years old. I am in the third semester in Medical Imaging at the University. I currently work in the field of radiotherapy, where I treat patients in the same way I was treated: with love, respect and understanding. I love what I do.

Alexander - Bladder Tumour, Dominican Republic - Americas

It all started when I was eleven years old, my family and I never thought that we would go through a disease as strong as cancer. I began to lose strength when walking and had to rest before continuing to walk, I was taken to the hospital and after taking several tests I came out with a mass behind the lungs and later with leukemia. Thanks to God, the work of the doctors, the efforts of my family and the help of FACCI, I was able to overcome leukemia and today I can continue my healthy and happy life, motivating many of them with faith in God and following what is recommended by the Doctors we can win against cancer. For those who believe, everything is possible. Marks 9:23..

Robinson - Leukemia, Dominican Republic - Americas

“Better survival” is learning how to manage the lifelong side effects of surviving cancer. This includes managing mental health, chemo brain, and lifestyle habits.

Ashley - Liver cancer, USA, Americas

Better survival means something different to everyone, but as a survivor, it means a better quality of life.

Emma Kate - Medulloblastoma , USA, Americas

Better survival requires more funding, more research, and more awareness for Paediatric Cancer so these children have a better chance in their fight against cancer. It means that once the greatest fight is over, these children have the chance to resume their normal lives – and just be kids.

Jillian - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, USA, Americas

Better survival means not just surviving, but THRIVING.

Kaydence - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, USA, Americas

You are strong enough to overcome anything despite how difficult it may seem!
So be patient and never surrender.

Hadi - T-Cell Leukemia, Lebanon, Eastern Mediterranean

Faith and Happiness is the way to your survival!

Nancy - Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Lebanon, Eastern Mediterranean

Cancer didn’t bring me to my knees, it brought me to my feet.

Sirine - ALL Leukemia, Lebanon, Eastern Mediterranean

I always share my memories with the patients who are experiencing any kind of disabilities due to cancer; to support them as my family at home and at MAHAK supported me during my cancer journey.

Maziar - Sarcoma, Iran, Eastern Mediterranean

Cancer is curable if you find how to fight it with hope. This is an advice from the one who faced death but never lost his heart.

Omid - Histiocytosis Cancer, Iran, Eastern Mediterranean

I walked across a dark chapter of agony and stopped Now that I have got to battle against adversities beyond recall.
At the age of 09 when my disease was diagnosed,I was rather a Child and could simply feel. But I could not play like other Children nor had I any chance to join them. Today after over a decade when I’m at the age of 20 years I have learnt to appreciate but felt like having lagged behind in usual course of life. Even then I am marching forward with determination and kept fighting on seeking opportunities so that, no one stay behind like us( miseries) due to such disease.

Sadman, Bangladesh, South East Asia

Childhood cancer patients has to be informed about their disease. The right information can be help them to understand their situation as they face. This is especially crucial for teens and young adults who need to feel empowered and in charge of their own health and wellbeing. So let’s join our hands and share the right information with children with cancer about their disease and treatment.

Sandeep - Ewing-Sarcoma, India, South East Asia

Childhood cancer has many long term side effects in their life with age. One of them is loss of fertility. Many of us, specially the girls and parents in the country like India, take it seriously. Although loss of fertility does not occur in all cancers and all treatments limited knowledge and lack of awareness results in many parents not going through with treatment of their daughters. But life, the most valuable gift of the creator, is always precious than to keep fertility. Let’s join hands to fight this stigma and help families of children with cancer make more informed decisions that are in the best interests of their daughters.

Sitara - Rhabdomyosarcoma, India, South East Asia

The only way out is through. Keep the fight strong and stay positive!

Frida - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukimia, Indonesia, South East Asia

A true journey of your life is when you had got cancer. When you got it, you must return it into the place they should belong and be promised that it never come back again.

Andry - Leukemia Lymphoma Maligna Non-Hodgkin, Indonesia, South East Asia

Where there is a door there is a key, Where there is a problem there is a solution, Where there is a disease there is a cure.

Fajrieyan - Tumor-Osteosarkoma, Indonesia, South East Asia

If we are still breathed by God, it means that there is still a mission that must be completed with prayer and struggle.

Nurhanifah - Osteosarcoma , Indonesia, South East Asia

Life is not about waiting for the ‘storm’ to pass. It’s about learning how to ‘Dance in the Rain’. Keep fighting and believe in yourself.

Samakhatu (Alma) - Bone Cancer, Indonesia, South East Asia

Life is not about waiting for the ‘storm’ to pass. It’s about learning how to ‘Dance in the Rain’. Keep fighting and believe in yourself.

Samakhatu (Alma) - Bone Cancer, Indonesia, South East Asia

I was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma at age of 12. I was worried about “Infertility” of late effects ten years ago.
Meanwhile, I could meet some survivors who are worried about it. Through the talk with many survivors, I got some advices from them.
And I also got more information about the social resources for infertility treatment from CCAJ (Childhood Cancer In Japan).
Then I decided to start the infertility treatment in my Long Term Follow Up. We need more information about own childhood cancer and late effects for making better survivorship!!

Daisuke - Rhabdomyosarcoma, Japan, Western Pacific

A childhood cancer survivor looks more like a group of selfless people coming together than a bald head or a scar.

Dwenna - Osteosarcoma, Malaysia, Western Pacific

Cancer is a terrible and devastating illness. It’s left me a little bruised and slightly broken. I wake up every day and wonder at my flaws. But, because of a strong woman who was standing behind me and a community giving love and support, here I am, fear subsided. I want to inspire people. I want someone to look at me and say, “Because of you, I didn’t give up”. With courage, together we fight cancer.

Genesis - Leukaemia, Malaysia, Western Pacific