CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation has been named a finalist for the 2026 CSI Legacy Awards, an achievement that recognises decades of compassionate service and impactful leadership in South Africa’s childhood cancer space. The organisation entered the awards in the Best CEO category, highlighting a leadership programme that reflects not only strategic excellence but also deep empathy and lived experience at the heart of its work.
Founded in 1979 by a small group of parents whose children were undergoing cancer treatment, CHOC was born out of necessity and solidarity. Those parents faced overwhelming emotional, financial and practical challenges and realised that no family should have to navigate childhood cancer alone. What began as a grassroots support initiative has grown into a nationally recognised, internationally respected non-profit organisation providing holistic support and advocacy for children and teenagers with cancer and life-threatening blood disorders.
Today, CHOC operates through a national office and six regional offices, reaching families in both urban and rural communities across all nine provinces of South Africa. Its programmes are rooted in the lived realities of families affected by childhood cancer and seek to address critical social challenges such as late diagnosis, lack of awareness, unequal access to care, and the intense emotional and financial strain placed on families. CHOC’s work is driven by a belief that hope must always be kept alive, even in the most difficult circumstances.
The Best CEO category entry centres on leadership that understands childhood cancer not only as a medical condition, but as a life-altering journey for the entire family. The CEO’s passion is fuelled by the courage of children and teenagers facing treatment and the unwavering love of parents who stand beside them. This leadership approach ensures that CHOC walks alongside families, easing their burden through practical interventions such as accommodation near treatment centres, transport to hospitals, counselling services and consistent emotional support. Without these programmes, many children and teenagers would struggle to adhere to or continue with life-saving treatment.
CHOC is guided by a Board and Executive Committee made up of individuals who know childhood cancer first hand. Many are survivors themselves, parents of survivors, or bereaved parents who volunteer their time, skills and insight without remuneration. Their governance is informed not only by policy and compliance, but by lived experience and a deep commitment to keeping children, teenagers and families at the centre of every decision.
Strong leadership within CHOC also means empowering teams on the ground. Regional staff, social workers and volunteers work closely with Paediatric Oncology Units across the country, providing consistent frontline support during the most challenging times of a family’s life. This work is supported by robust finance, governance and human resources systems that ensure transparency, compliance and operational efficiency, allowing teams to focus on care, advocacy and impact. Sustainable fundraising programmes further enable CHOC to grow its services and reach more families in need.
Being named a finalist for the CSI Legacy Awards is both humbling and deeply meaningful for CHOC and its CEO. It recognises the collective effort of board members, staff, volunteers, partners and donors, and shines a light on the resilience of the children and teenagers CHOC serves. More importantly, it amplifies the voices of families affected by childhood cancer on a broader stage.
As a finalist, CHOC is reaffirmed in its mission to advocate for early diagnosis, equitable treatment and holistic care. The recognition reinforces a legacy built on compassion, integrity and hope, ensuring that no child or teenager in South Africa faces cancer without support, dignity and the chance to dream of a future beyond illness.
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