Today is World Cancer Day, a day that raises awareness about the disease while also encouraging its prevention, detection and treatment. In honour of this day, here are the organisations to donate to, whether it’s time or money, to help them keep their services going for those who need it.

1. Action for Breast Cancer

Action for Breast Cancer is an organisation that offers education and support for those who need it, while also raising awareness and funds towards the cause. The question is: have you checked them lately?

2. ALIVE Charity Foundation

ALIVE raises funds for cancer research whilst also encouraging people to participate in sports related activities to lead a healthy lifestyle and improve awareness on the cause.

3. Aurora Support Service

Aurora is a support service organised by the nurses at the Oncology Department. They primarily provide chemotherapy classes that help newly diagnosed patients understand how to manage their treatment. They also organise beauty days which provide tender pampering to patients in their department.

4. Europa Donna Malta

This organisation specifically focuses on raising awareness among the general public about breast cancer as a disease and the risks involved. They also offer support to those passing through or have passed through breast cancer.

5. Dr Klown

Dr Klown is all about putting a smile on kids’ faces who are going through a tough time. The klowns walk the halls of Mater Dei boosting children’s health with a smile, distracting them through fun and laughter. If you’ve spotted a little red nose at events, that’s them! They give out foam clown noses to people who have donated to their cause.

6. Hospice Malta

Hospice Malta is a voluntary organisation that provides free palliative care for persons with cancer, motor neuron diseases and other terminal illnesses. The organisation also provides help and support the families of these patients.

7. Karl Vella Foundation

The Karl Vella Foundation is named after a local who lost his battle to cancer in 2014. To continue his legacy, the foundation was set up “to provide educational and psychological support to children in families disrupted by illness.”

8. Lumiere Support Group

The Lumiere Support Group supports hematology patients during a difficult time in their lives. They offer psychological and social support to the patients and their families. While they’re a small team, they’ve definitely got hearts of gold.

9. Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation

The MCCF is the national community fund that provides financial, material and professional support to people experiencing a difficult time in their lives as a result of severe chronic illness. Apart from supporting people with cancer and illnesses, the fund also supports NGOs, people with disability and people in poverty.

10. Malta Health Network

This organisation is there to give a voice on health related issues both in Malta and beyond our waters. It seeks to encourage active participation of people experiencing health problems and other organisations withing the network. They continually strive for representation regarding Malta’s healthcare.

11. Malta Male Cancer Awareness

Malta Male Cancer Awareness is aimed at raising cancer awareness, particularly in males. “The best protection is early detection” they state, encouraging people to research and be knowledgeable about the disease to know what symptoms to spot or prevent.

12. Malta Ostomy Association

This association is a support group that is open to anyone in the field, be it patients, relatives or care-givers. They also aim to raise awareness through campaigns and to help lessen the stigma surrounding ostomy surgery.

13. Malta Colorectal Cancer Awareness Group (MCRCAG)

This group provides education on the prevention, early detection and treatment that will help increased survivorship of this disease. They also provide patient support for anyone affected by this disease.

14. Puttinu Cares

Puttinu Cares needs no introduction. The organisation supports locals, both kids and adults, suffering from cancer. They advocate for adequate treatment, support families and share knowledge on the disease.

15. Survivors Malta

Survivors Malta is an online community group where families of patients and patients themselves can share their stories and experiences of living with an illness. The community continues to grow and provides support and encouragement through words and understanding.

16. Smiling with Jerome

Smiling with Jerome was set up after 20-year-old Jerome lost his battle to cancer in 2017. The organisation provides support to those diagnosed with cancer and other illnesses. Jerome’s family is fully committed to keeping Jerome alive, providing a smile and care to persons in need.

Thank you to this organisation who are doing so much good on our islands!