Maryland Youth Brings Happiness to Pediatric Cancer Patients in Africa

BEL AIR, Md. (May 29, 2025) – The We Cancerve Movement, Inc., a Maryland-based youth-led organization dedicated to bringing happiness to pediatric cancer patients, today announced the expansion of its programming to Ethiopia, marking its sixth international initiative.

Through a partnership with The Aslan Project, which Create sustainable and locally supported pediatric cancer healthcare systems in low-resource areas countries including Ethiopia, We Cancerve provided 30 Comfort Care Kits for Children Fighting Cancer for pediatric patients at the Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa.

Each kit contains a We Cancerve signature TransFUNer Kit, which is comprised of craft items to decorate a brand-new pillowcase, also provided, used to shield IV medicines from patients squeamish about treatment. The kit also contains a new mini first-aid kit and a new pair of infant or toddler pajamas, sourced from a generous Macy’s donation. The total value of the donation is $900.

“The visionary goals and transformative work of We Cancerve is truly inspiring,” said Julie Broas, executive director of the Aslan Project. “Your thoughtful donation will bring immeasurable joy to the children and, through that, to their parents.”

The Aslan Project works with local hospitals to ensure there are separate units dedicated to the treatment of pediatric cancer, facilitates low-cost procurement of supplies and medications, and introduces data collection and management processes. Through partnerships with local non-governmental organizations, the Aslan Project provides free accommodation, nutrition, transportation, education, skill building, and psychosocial supports to patients and their families. Their volunteer medical experts teach local doctors, nurses, psychologists, pharmacists and other health professionals locally, online and abroad to diagnose and treat pediatric cancers and to train future specialists.

In 2014, We Cancerve began its international outreach by collecting and shipping school suppliesto children at the Achego Children’s Home in Songhor, Kenya. In 2018, the nonprofit invested in new shoes Namibian children through a donation to the Children of Zion Village orphanage. By 2019, the group took its free summer camp online and welcomed registered campers from India. During a study abroad opportunity, We Cancerve Founder Grace Callwood, currently a Howard University rising junior, led We Cancerve initiatives in Ghana in 2023. The group expanded projects in Kenya, including a clothing drive, and backpack and storybook giveawaylast Fall and pen pal program in Spring 2025. This spring, the group supported an effort to provide new play clothes to children in Marrakech, Morrocco.

Callwood, a pediatric cancer survivor, leads We Cancerve’s expansion projects in Washington, DC and Africa, and serves as the group’s chief strategy officer.

To date, We Cancerve has brought happiness to more than 33,000 children.