Bless a Child Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides care and psychosocial support services to children from the ages of 0–15 years suffering from cancer and related infections. BCF provides to the children and their caregivers accommodation, meals, transport to and from hospital; and psychosocial support that includes play therapy, remedial education, counseling, parent support groups and bereavement support. These services are provided to the children and their caregivers at no cost.
Why Their Work Matters: BCF was founded in response to the specific needs of pediatric cancer patients in Uganda, many of whom experienced abandonment of treatment due to poor access to specialized pediatric oncology treatment centers and supportive care, diagnostic centers, drugs, trained human resources, and social support. Treatment abandonment is one of the major factors for low survival rates, and BCF is committed to saving the lives of children by giving parents a chance to fight for their health.
- Each year, more than 100 children and their caregivers are housed in BCF facilities, which have been shown to reduce the abandonment of treatment by alleviating the financial burden. After the opening of one of their shelters in 2020, treatment abandonment fell from 30% to 9%.
- The BCF homes have served more than 8,000 children since 2010
- BCF targets children from economically disadvantaged families, most of whom have to travel long distances from remote, rural areas to the treatment centers.
- BCF provides support and training to caregivers so that they leave with income-generating skills which include making liquid soap, growing mushrooms and candle artistry.
Brian Walusimbi
Brian Walusimbi is the founder and executive director of the Bless a Child Foundation. Brian founded BCF in 2007 after learning that pediatric cancer patients in Uganda had inadequate access to medical care and support. From then on, he sought to support children with cancer and their families. The BCF team is comprised of talented individuals who work tirelessly to give a memorable experience to the children and their caregivers at the BCF Homes.
Brian is also the founder of Fun House Creations, an entertainment company that provides party services for children and corporate organizations. At Fun House, Brian works as a clown, bringing cheer and laughter to people at different corporate events.
