Support provided to families by Tonga's Child Cancer Foundation helps to achieve better outcomes from therapies used to treat cancer, Dr Jane Skeen, (back row, second from right) told a fundraising breakfast in Nuku‘alofa on March 28.

Dr Skeen an oncologist with the Starship Hospital, Auckland, spoke at a "Yellow Prayer Breakfast" attended by over 100 people at the Queen Sālote College Hall.

“With the support provided, some families can travel their cancer journey knowing they are not truly alone,” she said.

The Child Cancer Foundation of Tonga (CCFT) was established seven years ago.

Dr Skeen said that in 2006 a Pacific working group, which became the "National Child Cancer Network of New Zealand", in collaboration with Pacific health professionals, had set out to improve access to treatment for children with cancer in the Pacific. “Great progress has been made, as witnessed today,” she said.

Dr Skeen said it had been found that families who are supported by groups are less disrupted in therapy and more likely to complete treatment, resulting in better outcomes. “Some need to come to Starship for a short period of time and come back and finish treatment here.”

Sinai Tu‘itahi, the vice-president of CCFT said the fund-raiser aimed to raise $5000 for the foundation and they had exceeded that target.

Currently the foundation cares for six children with cancer and supports each family with $150 a month. “It helps with their special needs such as healthy food, telephone calls to the doctor, and transport to see the doctor,” she said.

She added that the foundation is currently looking for a vehicle so that they can drive the children to their medical appointments.

Guest of honour was the young Prince Taufa‘ahau Manumataongo, and keynote speaker was Cardinal Paini Mafi.