September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the challenges faced by children and families navigating this very difficult journey. In Sri Lanka, the situation is particularly poignant. Nearly 1,000 children are diagnosed with cancer annually, with a staggering 7 out of 10 coming from low-income families who can’t afford the basic necessities of transport, medication, and treatment. Common childhood cancers in Sri Lanka include leukaemia, bone tumours, lymphomas, and brain tumours.
Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama, on the outskirts of the capital Colombo, is the country’s sole dedicated unit for childhood cancer. While it provides essential treatment, it can only manage up to 150 children at a time, leaving many families without a place to stay while their child receives outpatient care.
This is where the power of collaboration and kindness comes in. Recognising the immense need for a support system, Suwa Arana, an initiative by the Indira Cancer Trust, was established. Situated conveniently close to Apeksha Hospital, Suwa Arana is Sri Lanka’s first paediatric palliative care centre and housing, providing a sanctuary for young patients and their families – a place to rest, recuperate, and find solace between treatments. In 2023, Dilmah joined hands with Suwa Arana. We became a key partner in supporting comfortable accommodation and meals for young patients and their families.
As part of this collaboration, Dilmah established the fourth floor of Suwa Arana centre, which was named after our Founder, ‘Merrill J. Fernando Home for Kindness by Dilmah’. This floor, with its eight family rooms, is a testament to the belief that kindness and compassion are crucial components of healing. It offers a safe and comforting space for families who travel long distances, alleviating the financial and emotional burden of finding temporary housing.
Dilmah’s support extends beyond financial contributions. Volunteers from the Dilmah Head Office, MJF Charitable Foundation, and Resplendent Ceylon regularly visit the children and families at Suwa Arana for tailored therapy and relaxation sessions, offering emotional support and a much-needed lift to the spirits of these young warriors and their loved ones.
The journey against childhood cancer is long and arduous, and every day, Suwa Arana relies on the generosity of others to continue its vital work. Your support ensures that these children have access to meals, medicine, therapy, and a nurturing environment. During this Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, let’s stand together and make a difference. Your contribution, no matter how small or big, can ensure that care for these little warriors remains accessible.
Click here to donate towards Suwa Arana: https://suwaarana.org/paediatric-cancer-support-group-in-colombo/
