Join a 5 km walk for a purpose this Sunday 27 October at 8h00, starting from the Amphitheatre on the Durban beachfront promenade. The HatsOn4CPC Fun Walk has been organised by PatchSA, a national charity promoting hospice and palliative care for children and Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children, a local charity providing hospice and palliative care and support to children and families in and around Durban and throughout the province of KZN.
What is children’s palliative care?
Palliative care for children is individualised and holistic care that encompasses not only a child’s physical symptoms but also considers their social, emotional, and spiritual needs and those of the child’s family members. It is offered by a team of people who focus primarily on the quality of a child’s life, especially when that life is likely to be shortened by a serious or incurable illness or genetic condition. These are children with cancers, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, congenital anomalies, endocrine, blood and immune disorders, meningitis, kidney diseases, as well as those with XDR TB and HIV and AIDS. Specialised pain and symptom management offers a layer of comfort and relief, even when the child may be receiving treatment aimed at cure. Children’s palliative care also offers the best possible care at the time of a child’s death and offers grief and bereavement support for the family for as long as it is needed.
Children’s Palliative Care in South Africa
Statistics reveal there are at least 1 million children in South Africa afflicted by a life-limiting illnesses or a condition that could significantly shorten their lives. Despite palliative care across all ages being recognised as an essential element of Universal Health Coverage, due to lack of funding and resources it is estimated that less than 5% of the children in our country who need palliative care have access to it. There are just two organisations dedicated to providing palliative care to children in KZN, being Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children in Durban and Butterfly Palliative Home in Ingwavuma.
Origins of HatsOn4CPC
The Hats on for Children’s Palliative Care campaign (shortened to HatsOn4CPC) was initiated in 2014 by the International Children’s Palliative Care Network (ICPCN) to raise awareness of children’s palliative care as well as the need for more qualified professionals and services. Usually celebrated on the second Friday in October but with events throughout the month, HatsOn4CPC is associated with World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, which falls on the second Saturday in October. Hats were chosen as they symbolise the additional layer of comfort and protection that palliative care provides as well as referencing the ‘many hats’ (roles) those working in children’s palliative care often need to wear to ensure holistic care is offered.
This year PatchSA and Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children have come together to host the first ever Durban #HatsOn4CPC Fun Walk on Sunday 27 October along the Durban Beachfront Promenade, starting the Amphitheatre. The event will take place from 8h00 -10h00. There is no designated parking, and participants are asked to arrive early and find their own parking anywhere along the beachfront and make their way to the Amphitheatre to be present for the start at 8h00.
Pre-register
Preregistrations is advised. Learn more and register HERE. Registration costs R50 for adults, and just R20 for children aged 4 – 12 years. There are several spot prizes to be won including for those wearing the best hats.
We encourage the Durban community to support this inaugural event and help to create awareness and advocate for children’s palliative care.