Need the best excuse ever to rock that one hat you never get a chance to wear? Cue the Hats On for Children’s Palliative Care campaign, where wizard hats, fedoras and any head-turning accessories will make a difference!
South Africa (25 September 2024) — It’s almost time for the Hats On for Children’s Palliative Care campaign!
Every year, the International Children’s Palliative Care Network (ICPCN) calls on people to rock all kinds of headgear to champion a worthy cause: raising awareness for the world’s most seriously ill children.
For the past 11 years, Hats On for Children’s Palliative Care has marked a movement for the millions of children facing life-limiting illnesses and conditions, offering solidarity in a simple, creative and accessible way.
What is Children’s Palliative Care?
“Children’s palliative care is about quality of life—offering physical, emotional, and spiritual care to children who are seriously ill, while supporting their families,” explains Melissa Platt, founder of Footprints 4 Sam, a non-profit that was established after Melissa and Fred Platt’s little one sadly passed away at just 15 and a half months after spending his short life in hospital.
Footprints 4 Sam was born as a way to turn the tragedy into a call to action, aiming to impact the lives of countless underprivileged children, their families and healthcare members working in the palliative paediatric world.
“In South Africa, where access to palliative care can be limited, initiatives like ‘Hats on 4 Children’s Palliative Care’ are critical in ensuring that these young patients are not forgotten, and that they receive the love and care they need,” says Melissa.
Melissa adds that palliative care is often misunderstood or overlooked despite the vital role it plays in supporting children facing great health challenges—especially in South Africa.
“With [South Africa’s] limited and under funded facilities, the need for paediatric palliative care is immense and through this fun and impactful campaign, we aim to spark conversations,encourage donations, and spread awareness for this critical cause.”
How to Throw Your Hat in the Ring and Get Involved
- On 11 October, pull out your favourite hat in solidarity with the cause. Whether its a wizard’s hat, the fedora only you understand or a tiara (no matter your age). Don’t forget to buy a R25 sticker, rally the hat-loving troops and spread the word on socials under the hashtags #HatsOn4CPC and #Footprints4Sam!
- You can also make a donation to Footprints 4 Sam here. This donation will go directly to educating Health Professionals in the healthcare space that supports families who have a sick child in their midst.
- Want to make the call even louder? Host a Hat Day event at your school, workplace, or community. You can pre-order stickers and make a day out of a worthy cause.
You can find more information about the ICPCN here.
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