A once-sterile space at Tygerberg Hospital has been reimagined into a vibrant, healing space for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients—thanks to the vision, heart, and fundraising power of Ari’s Cancer Foundation.
On Monday, 7th July 2025, the Foundation proudly unveiled the newly upgraded Tygerberg Care Centre, marking a milestone in its mission to improve the journey of young people facing cancer. What was once a cold and clinical environment now radiates warmth, hope, and colour. Cheerful bedding, brightly painted walls, playful murals, and a small artificial lawn where young people can safely spend time outdoors all work together to create a space that feels more like home than hospital.
For co-founder Alan Jansen, this project is deeply personal. “Our youngest daughter Ari passed away at just 24 after a courageous three-year battle with brain cancer,” he shared. “She was full of life—creative, outgoing, and just getting started in her career. During her treatment, we saw how isolating hospital life could be for young people. This space honours her memory by offering comfort and dignity to others walking a similar path.”
A Space for Healing, Not Just Treatment
The Tygerberg Care Centre is overseen by CANSA and provides temporary accommodation to young cancer patients who need to remain near the hospital during their treatment cycles. While the medical care has always been strong, the emotional needs of these patients—often stuck in a grey area between paediatric and adult care—have long been underserved.
“We wanted to move away from the institutional feel that so many hospital spaces have,” said Jansen. “Young people deserve an
environment that helps them heal emotionally and mentally, not just physically.”
The transformation was made possible through Ari’s Cancer Foundation’s annual flagship fundraiser—the beloved Christmas in July Gala Dinner—along with support from individual donors, volunteers, and hospital staff. The Foundation worked closely with both Tygerberg Hospital and CANSA to ensure the renovations reflected the real needs of young patients.
“We’ve already had such positive feedback,” Jansen said. “Doctors, nurses, and families have told us the new space has shifted the mood entirely—it’s lighter, more hopeful, and more human.”
Founded in 2012, Ari’s Cancer Foundation is the only organisation in South Africa focused exclusively on adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer—a group that often falls through the cracks in the country’s healthcare system.
The Foundation’s work spans:
- Raising awareness around cancer risks and prevention in youth,
- Funding treatment-related costs, including medication, equipment, and supplies not covered by hospitals,
- Offering holistic care such as food parcels, palliative support, and psychosocial assistance to patients and their families.
Over the years, flagship initiatives like “Sock It To Cancer” and targeted outreach programmes have impacted hundreds of young people across the country.
“We couldn’t do this without the generosity of ordinary people,” said Jansen. “Ari taught us to live boldly—and we want every young cancer fighter to feel that same spirit of boldness, love, and community. They are not alone.”
To support Ari’s Cancer Foundation or find out more about our work, visit www.ariscancerfoundation.org.
