There are currently over 801 000 children in South Africa who live with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions that could drastically shorten their lives and diminish any quality of life they could enjoy. Less than 5% of these children are accessing the proper care.
In most societies, children are a symbol of unlimited hopes and dreams. It can be said that the most important of these hopes is health. However, many children are robbed of their gift of good health. Research carried out by the International Children’s Palliative Care Network (ICPCN) and UNICEF estimates that over 801 000 children in South Africa are living with conditions that threaten or will shorten their lives.
These children will experience significant pain and suffering due to a lack of proper care. Children’s palliative care is a coordinated response to the needs of these children and concerns of their families.
Children’s palliative care is holistic care that supports the child and the family through the provision of expert relief and symptom control, and whatever psycho-social support is required to enable the affected child to enjoy the best quality of life possible in the circumstances.
When necessary, it supports the child and family at the end of life and continues to care for the bereaved family members for as long as is needed.
The ‘Little Stars’ documentary, produced by Mike Hill and Sue Collins of Moonshine Movies, tells the surprisingly life-affirming stories of children from around the world, including South Africa, living with life-limiting conditions and receiving support in the form of hospice and palliative care.
The film is presented by the acclaimed British actor, David Suchet CBE, and has already been taken up by the Al Jazeera Documentary Channel for broadcast in 40 countries.
The film has won the following awards:
- Award of Merit: Documentary Short from the Best Shorts Competition
- Value Every Life (Short Film) – Accolade Award from the Accolade Festival
- Award of Merit Special Mention: Documentary Short from the IndieFEST; and
- Selected to screen at the 2015 Massachusetts Independent Film Festival.
The film shows great transparency, insight and emotional honesty and will leave a lasting impression on viewers.
The ‘Little Stars’ premiere aims to raise funds for the two charities as well as increase awareness of the rights of children living with incurable and life-threatening illnesses in Durban and the surrounding areas to receive the necessary palliative care.
The premiere will take place on Saturday, 3 October 2015, at Durban Girls College. Tickets are available online, alternatively contact Lorna on +27 74 5497 257.
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