We recently had the pleasure of being contacted by 22 year old Aidan Suchniak, who is currently volunteering in Mwanza with iCCARE (International Cancer Care and Research Excellence Foundation). Aidan was keen to add dental care and dental health messaging to their programme and we asked him to tell us a little bit more about the project.
I am 22 years old, from North Carolina, USA, and I recently received my BS in Biology. I chose to work with iCCARE this summer because I knew it would be rewarding for both the people I serve and myself.
iCCARE is an NGO that supports children with cancer in the Lake Zone Region of Tanzania. We are focused on giving children with cancer the same opportunities and chance of cure, regardless of where they live. Pediatric cancer has an almost 85% survival rate in many high-income countries, while lifesaving cancer care is very limited in low-income countries. Since iCCARE started working at Bugando Medical Centre in 2014, the survival rate of children with cancer has nearly doubled. Our team works tirelessly to ensure the best care is given to these struggling families.
In addition to supporting the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, we also provide housing and education for the families who need a place to stay while receiving therapy. Some children come very far to receive treatment and are not able to stay in school, so it is important to keep them on track until they are able to leave. One of the most important things we are trying to implement in their education is healthy hygiene. Proper dental care and hand washing technique, as well as maintaining a healthy diet, are all important for their well-being.
Receiving cancer treatment can lower a patient’s immune system, which makes it easier to develop dental disease and increases the risk for infections. Dental education is crucial to avoid unwanted complications to a child’s immune system during cancer treatment. As a volunteer to iCCARE, I reached out to dentists in the Mwanza area and asked for help teaching these children. Most families we work with do not know proper dental hygiene and most likely never been to a dentist to receive dental care.
I reached out to Bridge2Aid after researching different NGO’s that may be able to help our cause. After a pleasant phone call, I was quickly connected to a local organization that would be able to lend a helping hand. I was introduced to Dr. Gordian Chicco with THEDI (Tanzania Health Environment and Development Initiatives). We were able to meet in person and discuss ways in which THEDI could help iCCARE. I showed him the hostel where the families stay during treatment, where he was able to successfully demonstrate proper dental care to the children. The children had lots of fun teaching their parents what they learned. Dr. Chicco then answered questions from the children’s parents and handed out toothpaste and toothbrushes. After Dr Chicco’s initial teaching, I will be able to have reminders in the classroom and make fun activities to make sure the children keep up their dental hygiene routine.
We are very grateful for our new friends at Bridge2Aid and THEDI. We are excited to work together to improve the lives of these families and spread awareness of cancer and dental hygiene. We hope our cooperation together is long and successful.
– Aidan Suchniak, iCCARE Volunteer