My story of supporting Lambano Sanctuary starts with a simple Google search for "Children's Hospice Johannesburg." Once I discovered that their location was 'Malvern East,' I knew this was the right children's organisation for me to support, especially with me being Malvern Chairman ‘n’ all.
 
 I went to Lambano Sanctuary the day after I ran the Comrades Marathon, and I've struggled to write up an account of my visit. I just haven't been able to find the right words. This is my best shot... 

 Lambano Sanctuary provides comprehensive care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses. They offer medical care, hospice services, and emotional support to both children and their families. As I visited, the staff's dedication and compassion were palpable, but so were the struggles and hardships they face daily. 

 A few minutes into my tour, I mused that Lyn (CEO and nurse at Lambano) must get bored of showing donors and supporters around all the time. But it turns out she actually doesn't. Few people visit the once bungalow-style home, now converted into a children's hospice and step-down facility. "It's Johannesburg's best-kept secret", she says frustratedly because she's keen to improve awareness of Lambano to the broader community.
 
While still engaged in that slightly awkward, polite small talk phase of every first meeting, we entered a small room to the side of the nurses' station. The wide-eyed baby in the cot that we were met with had been born with no ears due to a rare syndrome. The rhythmic sound of a ventilator next to a child's cot is not something you can easily ignore. 
 
It was a lot to take in. 

Now, bear with me. You see, there's a song that profoundly reminds me of Lambano Sanctuary, and it's by Peter Gabriel. The song title is "Wallflower" - inspired by an Amnesty International pamphlet about political prisoners in Latin America. Gabriel uses the term "wallflower" to depict someone isolated and unable to interact with others. The song gradually builds, and the lyrics vividly describe the confinement and danger of being forgotten. However, it also offers a powerful message of resilience with the encouragement to "hold on, hold on."
 

Although the song is about prisoners, I find its tone and lyrics resonate deeply with the situation of the children, carers, and families at Lambano Sanctuary, having seen firsthand the incredible work they do and the challenges they face. 

 

Join me, as I unpack the lyrics to the song, and how their meaning translates to the children and work being done at Lambano. 

 

Here are the lyrics from “Wallflower” and how they relate to what I experienced at Lambano: 
 

Six by six, from wall to wall
 Shutters on the windows, no light at all
 Damp on the floor you got damp in the bed

These lines remind me of the small, confined spaces where many children live before coming to Lambano. Their homes in townships are often cramped, cold, damp, and dark. The hospice rooms where they now receive care are also small from wall to wall. 

 They're trying to get you crazy, get you out of your head
 They feed you scraps and they feed you lies
 To lower your defences, no compromise 

 This part makes me think of the difficult conversations between doctors and parents. The medical staff at Lambano must deliver harsh truths, and families often feel defenceless against the overwhelming situation. 

 There's nothing you can do, the day can be long
 Your mind is working overtime, your body's not too strong
 Hold on, hold on, hold on,
 Hold on, hold on, hold on

Long days are a reality for everyone at Lambano—parents, caregivers, and medical staff alike. They all work tirelessly, their minds constantly racing while their bodies grow weary. The child patients are also weak and growing weaker. Yet, the message to "hold on" resonates deeply. 

The "box" in this context feels like an incubator. Despite the isolation and the daunting circumstances, the children and their families at Lambano exhibit incredible resilience and spirit. The struggle and strength of these children and their families build a metaphorical road to freedom. 
 

The Spirit of Lambano
 
The most poignant part of the song for me is:
 
 Though you may disappear, you're not forgotten here
 And I will say to you, I will do what I can do

This captures the essence of Lambano Sanctuary. Every child is remembered, and the staff does everything in their power to provide care and support. Lambano is a place of compassion, resilience, and unwavering support, ensuring that no child is ever forgotten.
 

My visit to Lambano Sanctuary was deeply moving. It’s a place where hope and care are given freely, where every effort is made to ensure that, even in their most challenging times, children and their families know they are not alone.
 
THANK YOU for supporting Lambano Sanctuary through your generous donations.