Latest news with #ChildhoodCancer
Edinburgh Live
21-05-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Touching tribute for West Lothian teen who left 'lasting legacy' after sad passing
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An MSP has paid tribute to a West Lothian teen who left a 'lasting legacy'. Angela Constance MSP was joined by Scotland's Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray MSP as they praised the work of Livingston-based charity Jak's Den. Jak Trueman was just 15 years old when he tragically died in 2015 following a fight with delta T-cell lymphoma, reports The Daily Record. He passed away less than two weeks after being told his cancer was untreatable. He hoped to provide a place for young people suffering with cancer to meet and chat, relax and listen to music. Team Jak Foundation was launched six days before his death and Jak's Den followed soon after. There are now five dens throughout Scotland. Angela Constance, MSP for Almond Valley and Scotland's Justice Secretary, said: 'I was pleased to visit Jak's Den in Livingston with Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, as part of their 10-year anniversary to discuss how best we can continue to support the charity as they look forward to the future. 'Jak's dream to bring the community together in such a positive way has demonstrated what a remarkable young man he was. Jak's legacy has touched so many lives, thanks to his remarkable vision for improving services for others. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. 'Jaks mum Allison has shown incredible strength in making Jak's dream a reality'. Both have inspired so many people to support their work and over the course of a decade have supported more than 500 families with bespoke emotional, social, and practical support, all borne through lived experience. (Image: Team Jak Foundation) 'I have been particularly impressed with the determination and drive of staff and volunteers to make Jak's Den a reality. "With five pop-up Dens now throughout Scotland, Jak's legacy has reached many more young people and families to ease the fear, confusion and loneliness of a cancer diagnosis or bereavement and ensure no-one feels isolated or alone' Allison Barr, Chief Executive at TEAM JAK Foundation, said: 'It was an honour and privilege to have a very special visit from Neil and Angela to mark our Ten Year OSCR registration. 'It meant the world to have the recognition from such prestigious MSPs. 'Having created our charity at the request of my inspirational 15-year-old son Jak before he died it has been a privilege and honour to watch it grow and see all the amazing services we now provide as a result of one young person lived experience and backed up by the Scottish Government's Childhood Cancer plan and identified gap in emotional support, alongside social and practical.' The charity has a schools outreach programme which initially supported a small number of schools when one of their children was sadly dying. Now it not only provides support to schools with children who are dying or have died, but also those children affected returning to school. Team Jak's Bag of Worries and Bag of Hope programmes also provide bespoke wellbeing support. Allison added: 'Here's to Jak and his amazing legacy – and to all our superhero warriors' siblings and angels, now and always." You can find out more about Team Jak Foundation here.
Associated Press
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Jam For Good Launches ‘Buck-A-Seat' Campaign to Support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Through Live Music
One seat. One dollar. One big impact. 'For the month of September, we have an opportunity to rally the entire live music industry to support kids with cancer right in your own backyard.'— Bill Mell DENVER, CO, UNITED STATES, May 6, 2025 / / -- Jam For Good, a Colorado-based nonprofit organization raising money through live music to support children facing cancer, is calling on live music industry professionals to pledge $1 per ticket sold at one or more shows taking place in September, in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The new initiative, Buck-A-Seat, invites venues, promoters, agents, managers, and artists to come together in a shared effort to turn ticket sales into meaningful, local impact. Participants can select one or multiple September shows they're contributing to and pledge to donate just $1 per ticket sold. Jam For Good provides each participant with a direct donation link, making it simple to contribute and track the impact. 100% of funds raised go directly to the nearest children's hospital's cancer center, supporting children facing cancer, their families, and pediatric cancer research in that community. 'With Jam For Good's announcement of the Buck-a-Seat program, I'm reminded of the shared ambition that we all have to be a part of something bigger than ourselves,' said Bill Mell, Founder and Executive Director of Jam For Good. 'For the month of September, we have an opportunity to rally the entire live music industry to support kids with cancer right in your own backyard. The power of music can unite a community, and through this program we'll be helping those local families that need it most.' Pledging opens May 6th, 2025, and with many September shows still being finalized, music industry professionals are encouraged to jump at the opportunity now while calendars are still open and dates are flexible. To learn more or pledge your participation, visit or contact [email protected]. About Jam For Good Jam For Good is a nonprofit organization that partners with artists, venues, and promoters to turn live music into a force for good. Through benefit shows, charitable campaigns, and community partnerships, Jam For Good raises funds to support children and families affected by cancer, bringing people together through music with purpose. Kate Decker Jam For Good [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook TikTok Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Khaleej Times
23-03-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
The Indus Hospital Youth Ambassadors: Empowering a New Generation of Change-Makers
The youth of today are redefining the fabric of our society, harnessing their energy, passion, and dedication to drive transformative change. Recognising their potential, Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) is dedicated to empowering its youth ambassadors to become pioneers of a better future. They are tackling pressing healthcare disparities through awareness, education, advocacy, and community engagement to shape a brighter future for thousands. The Indus Hospital launched the Indus Youth Ambassador Programme (IYAP) in 2021, equipping these brilliant children to address the most pressing healthcare challenges on both local and global scales. Starting with 15 trailblazing young minds, IYAP has now grown to almost 200 dedicated individuals committed to saving lives. Thanks to their efforts, hundreds of fundraising campaigns have successfully resulted in millions of patients receiving free-of-cost, quality healthcare. They have worked tirelessly to raise funds for vital causes, ranging from nourishing mothers and their newborn babies, to supporting primary care initiatives to supporting children battling cancer. Since its inception in 2007, Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) has touched the lives of over six million patients annually in Pakistan. Under the inspired leadership of Dr Abdul Bari Khan, IHHN has grown into a robust healthcare ecosystem, comprising a network of hospitals, regional blood centres, physical rehabilitation centres, and primary care sites. Driven by an unwavering commitment to compassion and care, IHHN has consistently pushed the boundaries of healthcare accessibility, providing a safety net for the most vulnerable populations and illuminating a brighter future for millions. It is a true testament of the power of mobilisation and compassion. Our youth ambassadors initiated the Childhood Cancer campaign on the online platform called Yallagive (with IACAD Permit No. PRHCE - 003622765) between September 2024 and February 2025. Their efforts facilitated comprehensive high-quality, free-of-cost healthcare services for children battling cancer. They raised awareness about healthcare challenges faced by these young warriors, highlighting the impact of IHHN's paediatric cancer programme. The programme is one of South Asia's largest and most advanced paediatric oncology units, offering comprehensive care that includes both curative and palliative treatments. Childhood cancer poses a critical health challenge in Pakistan, with approximately 10,000-12,000 new cases reported annually. Despite the increasing burden, several factors contribute to the alarmingly low survival rates, which currently stand at 20-30 per cent, сompared to 80 per cent in more developed nations. The root of the problem lies in the scarcity of specialised centres for diagnosis and treatment, particularly in rural areas, leaving many children without access to timely medical care. IHHN's paediatric oncology ward has treated more than 14,000 children since its inception and performs over 150 chemotherapy sessions every day. It has facilitated over 350 Tele-clinic consultations, empowered 250+ graduates through Indus Kay Sitaray (in-house school), and provided essential medical care to 27,612+ outpatients, 2,994+ inpatients, and 10,966+ paediatric oncology consultations. The efforts of our youth ambassadors ensured an investment in the future and well-being of children battling cancer. The enthusiasm and commitment of our young ambassadors have raised a remarkable number of donations. Their initiatives have facilitated access to quality medical treatment, empowered marginalised communities, and changed the lives of millions. Our devoted youth ambassadors included Aariz Rafique Raza, Simone Ramchandani and Eimaan Irfan from Jumeirah College; Abdullah Minai from Jess Jumeirah; Amna Mahmood and Moza Al Abbar from Repton School Dubai; Anisa Hussain and Enaya Alavi from Dubai British School Emirates Hills; Aaliya Masood, Disari Kulasooriya, and Rumaysa Farhan from Pristine Private School; Aryaan Tiwana, Sulaiman Habib, and Zaid Ahmad Khawaja from Dubai American Academy; Dhruv Gehani from Millennium School; Ebrahim Jalil, Rayyan Sidat, Sakina Syed, and Mina Asjad from GEMS Jumeirah Primary School; Eeshaal Ul Haq, Myra Shamim Maqbool, Aleeza Ahmed, and Nyla Sheikh from American School of Dubai; Fatyma Maleeka Jafferi from Sunmarke School; Hussain Ahmad from Gems Metropole; Wafia Wasif from Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi; Pim Wattanaveerachai from Gems Wellington International School; Sanvi Agarwal from Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills; Zoya Omer from Nord Anglia Dubai. Indus Youth Mentors included Kinaan Syed from Dubai College; Haider Afzal from Dubai International Academy; Emaan Asjad, Vivaan Shahani, Mohammad Daniyal Khan, Aiza Baig, and Saif Seer from Jumeirah College; Saif Shariff from Gems Dubai American Academy; and Eshal Alavi from Dubai British School Emirates Hills. Indus Leaders included Sofia Omer from Dubai College; Eimaan Irfan from Jumeirah College; Hamnah Kashief from Pristine Private School; Iman Riaz and Airah Rana from Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills and Zoya Lakhani from Gems Wellington International School. Sakina and Kinaan had the unique opportunity to visit IHHN's Korangi campus in Karachi and toured the hospital building. They visited the paediatric ward, engaged with key leaders, and gained valuable insights into the operational framework of the hospital. This was a moving experience for them that fostered a deeper sense of purpose and connection to the mission, instilling an appreciation of the monumental work being carried out. Fatyma Maleeka participated in an entrepreneurship extracurricular activity at her school, demonstrating her creativity by selling stationary packets. She was successfully able to sell her products for profit, and through her kindness and generosity, she donated all her earnings to IHHN. Enaya demonstrated her dedication to IHHN by spearheading awareness efforts at her school. She took the initiative to organise presentations for Key Stage 3 students, educating her peers about the hospital's mission and impact. Through her efforts, she inspired her fellow students to learn more about IHHN's vital work and the importance of giving back to the community. The unwavering dedication shown by our youth ambassadors serves as a powerful reminder that young people can lead impactful change when motivated by a noble cause. As pioneers, they have channelled their collective passion, creativity, and commitment to make a significant difference. Indus is truly blessed to have the support of these young superheroes as they continue to aid this incredible humanitarian mission.
