Some of cancer’s biggest opponents (joy and hope) are found in the powerhouse community Rainbows and Smiles, which recently celebrated its 13th birthday! Here’s what RAS is all about, and why we’re popping the bubbly for this milestone:
South Africa (12 January 2024) — Cancer is up against a fierce force of positivity and support thanks to the Rainbows and Smiles community.
What began as one woman’s commitment to hope and support for people facing circumstances she knew all too well, has turned into something that challenges one of life’s hardest fights with joy. Rainbows and Smiles is celebrating its thirteenth birthday—a massive milestone for any charitable organisation.
Thirteen years ago, Bonita Suckling made sure her son Jed Brady—who battled a type of brain cancer known as Anaplastic Astrocytoma for a large part of his short life—would live on in the most special way. Inspired by his little heart’s love of making others smile (especially through gifts), Rainbows and Smiles were, from its earliest days, premised to bring light to others in their dark times.
Years on and so many lives across South Africa enriched, and Rainbows and Smiles continue to fight the uphill battle like champions.
Fighting cancer is a lot about the medical resource access, but it’s also about the mental resources like support. And care. And knowing that someone else understands. This is also essential for oncology parents and families.
Rainbows and Smiles offers three kinds of support:
- Social Support
- Emotional Support
- Financial Support
They also install mobile libraries for children in hospitals, run toy drives, offer support groups and help upgrade oncology centres.
In celebrating the big thirteen, the organisation shares:
“We’re not your typical teenager; we’re dreaming big of a cancer-free world for every child.Until then, we’re on a mission to sprinkle love, support, and care everywhere! If you’ve witnessed the courage of a child fighting cancer, you know it’s life-changing. Your support keeps us shining and going strong! Here’s to 13 years of making a difference.”
You can find out a whole lot more about the good RAS does, here.
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