“When he knew that the day included a hospital visit, the tears would start as he woke up. All the way in the car, he would beg us to turn around and go home. In the waiting room, his sobs grew deeper and louder. Then when it was our turn, the sobs turned into hysterical screaming, as he physically fought off the medical staff. It was unbearable.” (Judith, mother of an eight-year-old cancer patient.)Needles are sharp. Needles are invasive. Needles hurt. But sadly, they play a vital – and regular – role in cancer treatment. And for a small child, the constant needles are instruments of torture. From the basic ‘finger pricks’ to the taking of blood samples, and then having to receive chemotherapy or other treatment, needles are there. But it needn’t be so. Because there’s a ‘superhero’ that can save young children from all this trauma. It’s called a Broviac. In a one-time, small surgical procedure, this external catheter is inserted under the skin and linked to a major blood vessel – most often in the chest. That means no more needles. No more painful searching for tiny veins, which become even more compromised during cancer treatment. Most of us would do anything to save a child from pain and trauma. And you can do this today – right now – by clicking here now to join our Investors’ Circle (a group of our most loyal supporters) with your full membership gift of R600 or more. All needle procedures can then be painlessly done through this fixed power port to the body. When James Hayes was two-and-a-half years old, he was diagnosed with Franconi Anaemia (bone marrow failure). As time went on, James needed an urgent bone marrow transplant. During his short life of tests and treatments, James developed an overwhelming fear of needles, kicking and struggling every time he had to be held down for yet another needle. Before his transplant, James had to undergo chemotherapy, and then a Broviac was inserted to make his treatment much more bearable – including the bone marrow transplant itself. Sadly, four attempts at bone marrow transplants ended in failure. But until his death, ‘no more needles’ made all the difference for James. You see, whilst some families may have medical aid that will contribute to the R6500 cost of a Broviac, many families just can’t afford this help for their sick children. Your ‘investment’ –and donation made securely online by clicking here – will help our TLC (Tough Living with Cancer) children’s programme provide more Broviacs to our small patients, some of them tiny babies. In recognition of your generosity, I’d like to send you an engraved key ring – because your gift of R600 makes you the holder of the key to less pain and suffering for children with cancer. And should your gift be R2 000 or more, it’ll be my privilege to also inscribe your name on our CANSA roll of honour. Thank you for being someone I can turn to in order to increase CANSA’s dedicated services to our nation. And especially to our children. Yours sincerely, Elize Joubert Chief Executive Officer P.S. From this photo of James, you’ll see the Broviac at work - showing you the device that you’ll be helping to provide to take away the ‘needle’ trauma for other young cancer patients.