Gashaw Arega: Golden September – Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Gashaw Arega, Pediatric-Hematologist and Oncologist at Addis Ababa University, posted on LinkedIn:
“Some stories stay with us forever.
#4
Golden September – Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
In May 2025, a handsome little 8 years old boy, the first child in his family, traveled all the way from Mekele to Addis Ababa for prdiatric hematology and oncology service.
His parents were frightened, and his eyes were full of pain. Within just a week, a rapidly growing mass appeared in his lower abdomen.
On examination, I found a large right lower quadrant mass extending toward the mid-pubis. A CT scan showed a thickened small bowel with large, homogeneously enhancing mesenteric lymph nodes. Under sedation, we performed a core-needle biopsy, bone marrow, and CSF examination.
The results confirmed Burkitt’s lymphoma (CD20 positive).
Treatment began immediately—prephase COP, rituximab-based induction, and consolidation chemotherapy. The road was not easy. He experienced mucositis, febrile neutropenia, repeated transfusions, and the need for IV antibiotics. There were painful days, anxious nights, and moments of uncertainty.
But he persisted. He struggled. His family prayed. And our pediatric oncology team stood by him, caring for him as our own.
Finally, after cycles of intensive chemotherapy, he completed his treatment and achieved complete remission. The day he rang the bell, we could not hold back our emotions—tears of relief, joy, and gratitude.
Today, this brave child is on follow-up, smiling again, preparing to return to school, and living the childhood he deserves.
A week back, he came to the hospital with a precious gift—a bunch of flowers—for me. The best gift I could ever receive, it brightened a long, challenging day and reminded me why this work matters so deeply.
Golden September is not just a month—it is a reminder of the bravery, resilience, and hope of children fighting cancer. It is a time to honor their courage, support their families, and raise awareness about childhood cancer.
Every child deserves the chance to laugh, to play, and to grow up healthy. Yet, for many, this journey is filled with fear, uncertainty, and countless hospital visits. Golden September calls on all of us to stand beside them—doctors, nurses, caregivers, and communities alike—to ensure no child faces cancer alone.
On this Golden September, let’s remember the many children who walk this difficult journey with courage.
Let’s raise awareness, support families, and continue building stronger pediatric oncology services in Ethiopia and beyond.
Special thanks to Betezatha General Hospital Pediatrics Ward and our dedicated pediatric oncology team for making such journey possible.
Because every child deserves the chance to ring the bell of remission.”
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