Les Enfants de Salus Sanguinis: 'Despite cancer, a child must remain a child'

In Belgium every year, more than 300 children are diagnosed with cancer. Kathleen Moucheron and Veronique Hellemens received the diagnosis when their sons were only two years old. They met each other in Saint Luc hospital in Brussels at the coffee corner which was set up by an organisation called Les Enfants des Salus Sanguinis.

Seven years later, they are now volunteers for the organisation, working to raise funds for the activities and services provided to the families of children with cancer. To show their gratitude, Moucheron and Hellemans will be taking part in the 20km Brusssels run on 28 May.

When Moucheron was told her two-year-old son Timothée had cancer, everything fell apart. "It was like a bomb had exploded in the family," she says. She is convinced that without the support of Les Enfants de Salus Sanguinis she could not have survived the experience. Her son was so disappointed that he missed his first day at school, until he was visited by a teacher funded by the organisation, which allowed him to enjoy the school experience, albeit in hospital.

Hellemans was surprised when her son, who spent three years in hospital undergoing treatment for leukemia, recalled his wonderful early childhood years: going to shows, parties and visiting Pairi Daiza animal park, all thanks to the organisation.

"We have wonderful volunteers," says Jean Wauscquez, director of Les Enfants de Salus Sanguinis, "We have no subsidies, we have no affiliated fundraising organisations, so we have to find the total budget every year, which is quite a challenge."

Originally set up 25 years ago by Professor Guy Cornu at Saint Luc hospital, the aim of Les Enfants De Salus Sanguinis is to improve the wellbeing of children undergoing treatment for cancer. "Our motto is 'despite illness, a child must remain a child'," says Wauscquez.

Computers, entertainment, Christmas parties, shows, specialised massages, support for families, camping trips and holidays with medical support are all part of the activities and services organised and financed by the group.

Wauscquez adds: "Children with cancer have to be isolated during their treatment and they lose their hair. They are often rejected by their friends. They begin to doubt that they are children and that's why we organise the activities and camps, so that the children can behave like children."

Not all children diagnosed with cancer survive and an invaluable part of the service offered by Lthe organisation is support and palliative care during the end of a child's life.

For ways to support Les Enfants de Salus Sanguinis visit their website - and donate or take part in the 20km Brussels run.