High hopes for Children’s Cancer Run 2024

This is an annual event raises critical funds and awareness for children in Vietnam fighting cancer.

Mike Hebert, chairman of CanCham delivered the opening speech. Photo: CanCham

The event is being held by CanCham Vietnam in collaboration and support from VinaCapital Foundation, Vietnam Children’s Fund Social Enterprise, Lab67, and others.

According to Mike Hebert, president of CanCham, childhood cancer remains a significant challenge in Vietnam, with 2,500 new cases diagnosed every year, adding to the 40,000 children already undergoing treatment.

“The average cost of one child’s treatment, estimated at VND176 million ($6,930) per year, is a burden that many families simply cannot bear, especially since national medical insurance does not cover all essential treatments. As a result, too many children are left without the care they need,” said Hebert at the press conference to announce the event.

The Children’s Cancer Run 2024 serves as a beacon of hope and raises vital funds to provide comprehensive support to our paediatric cancer patients. This includes increasing access to innovative treatments and improving paediatric cancer care, while also alleviating the financial burden on families. This initiative has a legacy of more than 27 years, with trillions of Vietnam Dong raised to date, but much more support is needed to meet the growing demand for cancer treatments for children.

The primary beneficiaries of the funds raised from this year’s event are the Can-Clover Programme and the Children's Cancer Initiative.

“Beyond financial aid for treatment, our holistic approach includes providing vital psychosocial support, advancing paediatric cancer care, and raising community awareness about early disease detection. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce's support is pivotal to implementing our shared mission and vision,” said Rad Kivette, CEO of VinaCapital Foundation. "Through our latest national initiative, the Can-Clover Programme and the Children Cancer Initiative aim to sow seeds of resilience, determination, and hope in the hearts of our brave, young cancer patients.”

Joseph Falvella, vice president of Program Management of LAB67, a US-based company specialising in automation, robotics, and computer vision technologies, said he knew that this was just one step in a long journey, but it was an important step. “Our contributions, and the contributions of every person who joins the run or offers their support, will provide these children with the opportunity for a brighter and healthier future. That’s the true impact of this event, and it’s why LAB67 is proud to be the biggest sponsor of the Children’s Cancer Run 2024,” Falvella said.

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