{
  "id": 537073,
  "title": "Hats, hope and care for seriously ill children",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/hats-hope-and-care-for-seriously-ill-children",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-11T06:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sunday-tribune/news/2026-08-11-hats-hope-and-care-for-seriously-ill-children/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A vibrant parade of headwear is planned for Durban’s beachfront this October, as the third annual #HatsOn4CPC Fun Walk raises money and awareness for seriously ill children. Hosted by Palliative Care for Children South Africa (PatchSA) and Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children, the 5km event invites families, schools and businesses to wear bright hats in support of youth facing life-threatening illnesses.\n\nHowever, the festive atmosphere masks a stark reality: only about 5% of South Africa’s 300,000 children in need of specialised palliative care currently receive it, leaving 95% struggling to access essential support. This disparity is due to a combination of overwhelming healthcare resources and misconceptions about palliative care.\n\nChildren’s palliative care (CPC) is a holistic approach that addresses the medical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of children with life-limiting conditions, alongside their families. Dr. Julia Ambler, medical director of Umduduzi, clarifies that CPC is not limited to end-of-life care, but can support children while treatment aims to cure their condition. Eligibility includes various diagnoses such as cancer, genetic disorders, advanced infections, and rare illnesses.\n\nOrganisations like PatchSA and Umduduzi are working to close this gap by training healthcare professionals, advocating for policy changes, and providing direct care to vulnerable families. Sue Boucher, programme manager at PatchSA, notes that healthcare providers often lack the time and resources to deliver comprehensive palliative care. Many families also resist palliative care due to the misconception that it equates to giving up on finding a cure.\n\nWearing a hat on October 11 will help break the silence around paediatric illness and promote understanding of the vital role CPC plays in improving the lives of seriously ill children and their families. All proceeds from the event will support the ongoing work of PatchSA and Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children.",
  "summary": "Discover how the #HatsOn4CPC Fun Walk in Durban aims to raise awareness and funds for children's palliative care, highlighting the urgent need for support in South Africa.",
  "key_points": [
    "5% of South African children with life-threatening illnesses receive palliative care.",
    "Heads worn on October 11 support PatchSA and Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children.",
    "CPC addresses medical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of seriously ill children."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The #HatsOn4CPC Fun Walk highlights the urgent need for children's palliative care in South Africa, where 95% of children in need currently lack access to essential support and services.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}