This week, three representatives from CTLGH, Jen Meikle, Olivier Hanotte and the Centre’s new director, Mizeck Chagunda, visited the Tesfa Addis Parents Childhood Cancer Organization (TAPCCO). The purpose of the visit was to personally deliver funds raised by CTLGH and the wider University of Edinburgh community at a Christmas raffle in December 2023. CTLGH targeted the TAPCCO charity in its fundraising efforts owing to the organisation’s steadfast commitment to supporting families in Ethiopia, the host nation of one of the Centre’s nodes. During the selection process, CTLGH was informed about TAPCCO by one of our core scientists, Olivier Hanotte. Olivier is based at the IRLI campus in Addis Ababa, which occasionally provides TAPCCO with surplus eggs.
Established in 2012 by devoted parents and compassionate individuals, TAPCCO envisions a world where every child diagnosed with cancer receives not only treatment but also the chance to live their life to the fullest. TAPCCO’s mission is to improve the prognosis of paediatric cancer through parental involvement and enhanced medical services. From providing psychosocial therapy and organising support groups for both children and parents to ensuring access to essential services like medication, accommodation, transport, and nutrition, the organisation stands as a beacon of hope for families navigating the complexities of childhood cancer treatment.
During their visit, Mizeck, Jen and Olivier were given a tour of TAPCCO, spoke to parents who were brewing coffee and weaving to raise funds for the organisation, watched cartoons and laughed with the children, and joined in a traditional dance, where everyone was showcasing their best dance moves. “The experience was touching and humbling,” said Mizeck, “these young people have gone through difficult times, but here they were, happy and showing off their dance moves. It gives you a whole new perspective on what it means to appreciate what we have and that as humanity, we should be there for each other.”
Had it not been for Tsion Yemane (ILRI staff) and Olivier’s connection to the organisation, however, it is unlikely that CTLGH would have recognised TAPCCO and the amazing work it does for hundreds of children. The organisation’s relatively small reach hinders its ability to raise sufficient funds to achieve its outcomes. While this fantastic group of people are trying their best to support those most in need, limited resources often lead to incomplete services and require that sacrifices be made. Children who should be able to rest comfortably in the hospital following treatment are unable to do so when hospital fees are high.
Recognising that CTLGH’s science may not necessarily have a direct impact on people in the situation such as these children are, Professor Chagunda has suggested and encouraged colleagues that moving forward, CTLGH will help raise funds for TAPCCO. Over the coming months, we plan to organise several fundraising opportunities, and we also encourage readers to donate directly to the charity either through the charity’s website or by passing on donations to the CTLGH Centre Operations Manager, Jen Meikle, who will take the donations to TAPCCO upon her next visit.
TAPCCO Website: https://tapcco.org/
Jen Meikle Contact: Jen.Meikle@roslin.ed.ac.uk
