Every step tells a story: Run for a Reason shines a light on childhood cancer

Rainbows and Smiles, a Hot Cares recipient organisation, is running its heartfelt Run for a Reason campaign this September — an initiative that raises awareness around the different forms of childhood cancer, while educating the public through the real stories of children and their families.

Each day of the month, a child is honoured and their journey shared, reminding us that childhood cancer is not a statistic, but brave boys and girls with names, faces, and dreams.

We have met Lefa (13, nephroblastoma), Mpendulo (14, acute myeloid leukemia), Siphosethu (8, acute lymphoblastic leukemia), Zelnay (8, acute lymphoblastic leukemia), Lindokuhle (11, hepatoblastoma), and remembered Mulalo (8, medulloblastoma). We are walking alongside Refilwe (14, rhabdomyosarcoma), Rele (3, brain tumour), Layton (6, leukemia), and Mbali (16, sarcoma).

Other children being honoured include Lihle (12, rhabdomyosarcoma), who faces amputation but stands tall like the lion she loves; Amo (9, acute myeloid leukemia), preparing for a bone marrow transplant with his father as donor; Lebo (11, medulloblastoma), a maths star and TikTok fan navigating aggressive brain cancer; and Joshua (just 28 months, neuroblastoma), showing courage beyond his years after major surgery and multiple rounds of chemo.

We are also standing with Lethabo (13, pineoblastoma), whose faith inspires; Lerato (8, acute lymphoblastic leukemia), dreaming of school days; Gabriel (17, osteosarcoma), who chose freedom in amputation and now inspires others; Mini (4, leukemia), whose mom says “her cancer is my cancer”; Anmari (11, acute lymphoblastic leukemia), now joyfully in remission; Kye (6, lymphoma), a budding scientist starting treatment; and little Sully (2, hepatoblastoma), whose courage is already moving mountains.

Together, their stories show us that awareness saves lives, early detection matters, and community support gives families the courage to keep going.

Through Run for a Reason, Rainbows and Smiles is ensuring that these voices are heard, honoured, and carried with every step this September.

To support and stay connected with the children and families featured in Run for a Reason, follow Rainbows and Smiles on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Every follow, share, and message of encouragement helps spread awareness and reminds families that they are not alone.