Accra, Dec 2, GNA – Supply Chains Connect (SCC), a network of supply chain professionals has donated items worth GHC 13,000 to Vivat Turkson Foundation in support of the Pediatric Cancer Unit of the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH).
Vivat Turkson Foundation was set up to help cater for kids suffering from cancer-related illnesses at the CCTH in memory and honour of VIVAT Turkson, a seven-year-old girl who was diagnosed with Wilma tumor (kidney cancer) in a solitary kidney; born with just one kidney.
The items include; cancer treatment drugs, consumables, pulse oximeter, PPE, detergents, ten bags of rice, cooking oil, packs of bottled water, and detergents.
Mr Paul Asante, Member, SCC Stirring Committee, said the gesture formed part of the Network’s annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
He said childhood cancer in Ghana had reached alarming levels, adding that in developed countries, there is a 75 percent cure rate of childhood cancers, with some even fast approaching a 90 percent mark.
Mr Asante said Ghana had major challenges with childhood cancer with concerns over lack of funds to purchase much-needed drugs, which often led to preventable deaths among children, so, « Our doors are opened to support the centre, » he added.
Mr Asante said the Network also donated library materials to Frafraha Foster Home, held conferences, and planned outreaches to mentor upcoming supply chain professionals.
Ms Jean Williams, Founder Vivat Turkson, said the Foundation was founded after the death of her daughter about six months ago.
She said having gone through the experience of commuting to and from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, while they sought treatment for Vivat, decided to liaise with Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, to start a cancer-treating centre to cater for children within the central and eastern belt of Ghana.
Mrs Williams said the Foundation had over the period rehabilitated the Unit, supported the children with medication, and established a library and playroom for the Unit.
She shared the story of a young man in the care of the Foundation who lost his wife and father in two weeks’ intervals and had to leave his job to take care of his two-year-old son who was suffering from Leukemia.
Dr Emmanuella Amoako, Pediatrician, CCTH, Pediatric Cancers, expressed appreciation to the two Organizations for the support and promised that the items would be put to good use.
She said the Centre since its establishment a year ago, had about 52 cases mainly from Central and Western Regions.
Dr. Amoako said as a new satellite Centre, they needed support to complete building projects and to provide play and learning items for the children.
She said parents of children leaving with cancer depending on the type, had to report to the hospital once or twice a week for treatment and called for support for such cases.
Dr Rebakah-Ruth Taylor and Ms Anna Afia Taylor were given a citation and an Impact Award for their contributions towards the conference and activities of SCC.
