Rainbows and Smiles

Rainbows and Smiles RUN FOR A REASON 2024: Caleb's Journey: A Story of Strength and Resilience In April 2023, my life took an unexpected turn. At 16, I began experiencing pain in my right knee. Initially, I dismissed it, but the pain intensified, accompanied by swelling. Concerned, my family and I sought medical attention. After a series of tests, I received a devastating diagnosis: osteosarcoma, a cancerous tumor in my right knee. The news was overwhelming. My world, once filled with school, friends, and dreams, felt shattered. I was admitted to the hospital, where I underwent numerous tests and treatments. The chemotherapy was grueling, leaving me exhausted and battling side effects. After ten weeks of chemotherapy, the doctors recommended an amputation. On January 8th, 2024, I lost my leg above the knee. Despite the surgery, the chemotherapy continued. Today, September 2nd, marks my last week of treatment. The journey has been challenging, but I've grown stronger. The endless needle sticks, treatments, and fevers were difficult, but what I miss most is the life I had before. Throughout this ordeal, my family has been my unwavering support. My mom, in particular, has sacrificed immensely, resigning from her job to care for me. One thing that has kept me going is my favorite scripture: Philippians 4:13. It reminds me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. This journey has shown me my own strength and resilience. It's taught me to face challenges head-on and never give up. I'm asking you to participate in this cause—to run for children like me who have cancer. Your support means the world. Thank you to my family at Rainbows and Smiles for their unwavering support. In June, I received my first prosthetic fitting. Now, I'm setting my sights on achieving even more than I could have imagined. This is just the beginning. #GOLDSTRONG #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #RunForAReason2024 #GoGold #supportingkidzwithcancer #rainbowsandsmiles #CCAM

Allow us to introduce you to Paballo, a courageous childhood cancer survivor. Her story and her spirit are truly inspiring, reminding us of the vital importance of our "Run for a Reason" event. Paballo’s story is a powerful testament to the impact we can make when we come together. Her sweet voice and unwavering determination serve as a poignant reminder of why we support initiatives like this—to raise awareness, offer support, and bring hope to children battling cancer. We invite you to watch and share her inspiring video. Let her courage move you to join us in this meaningful cause. By participating in this event, you can help us make a real difference in the lives of these brave children. Sign up today and be a part of something special: https://lnkd.in/gzqs8edv Together, we can change lives. #RunForAReason2024 #RainbowsAndSmiles #ChildhoodCancerAwareness

Watch our team prance around in PJ’s, curlers, with our “just woken up look” – all for a purpose that’s close to our hearts. We're inviting you to join us in our RUN 4 A REASON event this September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. While we’re having a laugh, the reality behind it is no joke. September is the month of GOLD – a symbol of the bravery and strength of every child with cancer. For these kids, the cancer is very real, and there’s nothing we won’t do to help them. This isn’t just a run; it’s a chance to make a difference. **Spring into action** and sign up today to show your support. ENTER https://lnkd.in/gzqs8edv Plus, you’ll get to own a pair of fabulous Rainbows and Smiles Versus Socks while doing it! Let’s turn our steps into hope, one stride at a time. Together, we can help make a world of difference for children facing the unimaginable. #Run4AReason #GoGold #ChildhoodCancerAwareness

REGISTRATION is OPEN!! Register and pay online to join our September Run for a Reason childhood cancer awareness event. The BONUS is that we give you permission to wear your pj’s for the entire month! All in support of #childhoodcancerawareness month. Tap on the following link to enter and pay, and become part of the cool peeps who will be making a difference each stride at a time https://lnkd.in/gzqs8edv Because children can't fight cancer alone!! #supportingkidzwithcancer #GoldStrong #CCAM #rainbowsandsmiles #RunForAReason #PyjamaEdition #r4r

Ending Monday on a high note with a delivery of awesome items to the ward kitchen. The new fridge will be used to store foodies for the children and their mommies. A beautiful new induction stove, pots, and a whistling kettle was also added to sweeten the deal. We cannot explain the gratitude and excitement these moms had upon receiving new “fancy” equipment. Thank you to a VERY SPECIAL donar, Leo Harrison MBA from Chapter 2, for making the lives of the patients and their mommies more bearable while staying in the ward for long periods of time. #supportingkidzwithcancer #rainbowsandsmiles

Some pics of some of our team handing out the Craft Packs that they created for the children in the oncology unit in support of Rainbows and Smiles. Thanks Alexi Jean Rosenzweig and Victor Skodana for representing our team on this occasion.

Join us every day in September 2024 for our annual RUN FOR A REASON Childhood cancer Awareness campaign.   Jammies on, hearts open! Run (move), snap and share! Yes, you guessed it! Our chosen R4R theme this year is PYJAMAS. Let us show these precious children they are not alone – it takes a village. Together we can make a difference in the lives of children living with cancer, one stride at a time. Lace up your sneakers, jump into your most comfiest jammies, and let’s run (move) together for a cause that truly matters. Naturally you will not be required to run in your nighties every day, maybe just once. Please post a selfie donning your overnight outfit and dedicate your run (move) to a child with cancer. Let’s be raw and real. Curlers in, smiles on, and the fun dial turned to its max. PS. keep the sexy jammies for someone special. No risqué numbers please.   HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO to become part of the pyjama movement. SIGN UP: register for the event by completing the registration form below. For just R350 per person, you become part of a community making a difference. RUN, WALK, SKIP, SWIM, HOP: every day in September, dedicate your run to a specific child. The names and stories of each child will be shared daily via email and our socials. HELP US CREATE AWARENESS: post a “vulnerable, authentic” selfie of yourself in your pyjamas before your run, spreading awareness and solidarity. We ask that you dedicate your run to the child of the day. RAISE FUNDS: your registration fee goes towards supporting children with cancer and their families. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up and help us continue the work we do. Because children can’t go through cancer alone. They need our support! #RunForAReason #childhoodcancerawareness #PyjamaEdition #rainbowsandsmiles #supportingkidzwithcancer #GOLDSTRONG #r4r

Comrades Marathon Runners Raise Over R160,000 for Kids with Cancer. To read the full story click here: https://lnkd.in/dwMazMEW #childhoodcancerawareness #comrades2024 #supportingkidzwithcancer

Ignite hope: Urgent call to action - ComradesMarathon 🏃♂️🏃♀️ Please support Rainbows and Smiles, our small (and very personal) charity with an immense passion for making a difference in the lives of children battling cancer. We need you more than ever to help us ignite hope and joy in the hearts of our little humans with the toughest battles. Every step you take, every donation you raise, will help us provide crucial support to these vulnerable children as they navigate their cancer journey. Your contribution, big or small, can make a substantial difference in brightening their days and easing their burdens. Even if you're not taking on the crazy ultra marathon, you can still be a vital part of our mission to help find runners for our cause! 🙏Share this post far and wide to spread the word and let’s rally more athletes 🙏 To join our bee team and run for our foundation? Email us at [email protected] #RunForRainbowsAndSmiles #MakingADifference #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #SupportingKidzWithCancer #GOLDSTRONG