Support for Lesotho’s Warriors Facing Life-Threatening Blood Disorders

Beyond cancer, CCO is a dedicated lifeline for children battling complex blood conditions. We provide the medical pathways, logistical support, and emotional strength families need to navigate these lifelong journeys.

Understanding Childhood Blood Disorders

Blood disorders occur when there is a problem with the production or function of your child’s blood cells—the red cells, white cells, or platelets—or the proteins that help the blood to clot.

While some of these conditions are non-cancerous (non-malignant), they can be chronic and life-threatening if not managed with specialized care. At CCO, we are committed to ensuring that every child in Lesotho has access to the treatments that allow them to live active, joyful lives.

Key Types of Blood Disorders We Support

We walk beside families facing various hematological challenges, including:

Red Blood Cell Disorders

Conditions like Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia affect how oxygen is carried through the body. In Sickle Cell Disease, cells become rigid and "C-shaped," which can block blood vessels and cause intense pain.

Bleeding Disorders

Conditions such as Hemophilia and von Willebrand disease mean the blood lacks the proteins needed to clot properly. This can lead to prolonged bleeding after minor injuries or even internal bleeding.

Platelet Disorders

Conditions such as ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia), is a specialized blood disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys its own platelets, leading to easy bruising or nosebleeds.

Bone Marrow Failure

This condition Includes Aplastic Anemia, a rare and serious condition where the body stops producing enough new blood cells, which then leaves the child fatigued and at high risk for infection.

The CCO Lifeline: Support for Lesotho’s Families

Managing a blood disorder often requires specialized care that may not be available locally. CCO bridges this gap through our formal Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Health.

Treatment Pathways: We facilitate and support the journey for children requiring specialized hematology services at centers like those in Bloemfontein.
Logistical Care: We provide essential transport and lunch packages for treatment trips, ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of a child’s health.
A Community of 53: We are currently supporting 53 brave children in Lesotho, providing a network of hope for those facing both cancer and blood disorders.

Join the Mission

Your support can provide the next transport trip, the next meal, or the next life-saving treatment for a child in Lesotho.

"Bringing hope, one child at a time."

Honoring Our Young Warriors

Every year on the 15th of February, the Childhood Cancer Organisation (CCO) joins the global community to observe International Childhood Cancer Day. This is a day to honor the extraordinary bravery of the 53 Young Warriors currently in our care across Lesotho and to celebrate the resilience of the survivors who have walked this path before them.

See More Smiles

1. What is childhood cancer, and how is it different from adult cancer?

Childhood cancer is a disease of the body’s cells that develops in growing tissues like blood, bone marrow, and kidneys. Unlike adult cancers, childhood cancer is not lifestyle-related (it is not caused by smoking, diet, or environment) and often responds much better to treatment because children’s bodies have a higher capacity for healing.

2. Is childhood cancer curable?

Yes. With early detection and specialized medical care, 70–85% of childhood cancers are curable. Our mission at CCO is to bridge the gap between diagnosis and survival so that every "Young Warrior" in Lesotho has the chance to thrive.

3. What are the "St. Siluan" Early Warning Signs?

The St. Siluan signs are a life-saving checklist to help you spot potential symptoms. They include:

S – Seek medical help for persistent symptoms.

I – Eye changes (white spots or new squints).

L – Lumps or unexplained swellings.

U – Unexplained fever, weight loss, or bruising.

A – Aching bones or joints.

N – Neurological signs (changes in balance or speech).

4. Is childhood cancer contagious?

No. Childhood cancer is not a "catchable" disease. It is safe and encouraged to hug, play with, and support children undergoing treatment. It is also not caused by "bad luck" or "punishment"—it is a biological medical condition.

5. Does CCO provide medical treatment?

CCO does not provide medical treatment directly. Instead, we work through a formal MOU with the Ministry of Health to support the child’s medical journey. We focus on holistic care, providing the logistical, emotional, and financial support families need to access specialized oncology services.

6. How does CCO support families traveling for treatment?

Many children in Lesotho require specialized care at centers in Bloemfontein, South Africa. CCO provides essential transport and lunch packages for these trips to ensure that no child misses a life-saving appointment due to financial barriers.

7. Who is eligible for support from CCO?

We support children under the age of 16 in Lesotho who have been diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders. Currently, we are walking the journey with 53 brave children and their families.

8. How can I refer a child to CCO?

If a child shows persistent warning signs, they should first visit their local clinic or doctor. Once a potential case is identified, the medical team will follow the referral pathway to specialized care. Parents or health workers can contact CCO directly to begin receiving logistical and emotional support during this transition.

9. Why is early detection so important?

Early detection is the single most important factor in survival. When cancer is caught in its early stages, it is less likely to have spread, making treatment more effective and less invasive. Our outreach campaigns aim to move children from "late-stage" diagnosis to "early-stage" healing.

10. How can I help Lesotho’s Young Warriors?

There are three main ways to join our mission:

Donate: Funds go directly to transport, nutritious meals, and emotional care.

Partner: We welcome corporate and institutional collaborations.

Volunteer: Share your professional skills or your voice to spread awareness in your community.

"Bringing hope, one child at a time".

Donate now

At CCO, we are committed to nurturing the hope and well-being of Lesotho’s Young Warriors. We are honored to be a part of their path to recovery. Stay connected with us for vital early detection tips, survivor stories, and updates on how we are bringing hope, one child at a time.