Leading With Heart: Hedley Lewis at CHOC

 

Leadership is often measured not by titles, but by the lives touched and the hope restored. For Hedley Lewis, this truth has defined his career. Today, as the CEO of CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, he leads with a simple yet profound belief: leadership is service — to people, to purpose, and to progress.

“It’s about building strong teams, nurturing partnerships, embracing innovation, and never losing sight of why we do this work,” Hedley says. His journey, shaped by years in the non-profit and development sectors, reflects the power of vision anchored in compassion. Early in his career at the Vodacom Foundation, he witnessed firsthand how meaningful partnerships could change lives. That experience lit a fire within him — a determination to lead an organisation that could deliver life-changing support where it mattered most.

Choosing Purpose Over Position

Hedley’s decision to join CHOC was born out of conviction. The foundation’s mission — to support children and teenagers with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders, and their families — resonated deeply with him. “The strength and resilience of these young individuals, and the immense challenges faced by their families, moved me profoundly. I knew my skills in leadership and strategy could be used to make a real, lasting impact.”

For Hedley, leadership is not about authority. It is about empowerment. One of the most powerful philosophies guiding him is the spirit of Sawubona, the Zulu greeting that means I see you. “It’s a reminder that every person deserves to be acknowledged, valued, and respected for who they are and what they bring,” he explains. His leadership style is rooted in openness, listening, and collaboration — building trust, asking the right questions, and walking alongside his team through every challenge.

From Humanitarian Pathways to CHOC’s Heartbeat

Hedley’s career has taken him through a rich journey across humanitarian and development organisations. Each role offered more than skills; it offered perspective. He learned from diverse governance models, developed strategies alongside global institutions like the WHO, and gained insight into building partnerships that matter. These experiences became stepping stones, equipping him to guide CHOC with clarity, resilience, and conviction.

“Every organisation gave me something different — lessons, mentors, structures — and each of those experiences helped me grow,” he reflects. Above all, they taught him to advocate for the unheard and to amplify the voices of those overlooked. Today, those lessons shape CHOC’s mission to ensure that every child battling cancer is seen, supported, and given a fighting chance.

CHOC: Healing Beyond Medicine

Under Hedley’s leadership, CHOC stands as a lifeline for families navigating the unthinkable. Its mission is clear — to provide children and teenagers with comprehensive support, from early detection to effective treatment, and to walk with their families every step of the way.

“It takes a village to treat a child or teenager — not just medically, but emotionally and practically,” Hedley explains. For him, CHOC is more than an organisation; it is a bridge that connects hearts, hands, and systems. This vision is reflected in his roles on the boards of Childhood Cancer International and Childhood Cancer Africa, where he works to strengthen collaboration globally.

Partnerships remain central to CHOC’s impact. By uniting with NGOs, governments, hospitals, and community leaders, the foundation avoids duplication, maximizes resources, and brings critical support to those who need it most. Every alliance, whether local or international, strengthens the movement to ensure no child fights cancer alone.

Leading With Values

At the heart of Hedley’s leadership is a compass guided by compassion, integrity, resilience, and collaboration. “Compassion is more than empathy — it’s showing up, especially when the road is hardest,” he says.

Resilience, sharpened over years of purpose-driven work, keeps him steady in the face of uncertainty. Ethics, meanwhile, are non-negotiable. “When people place their trust in us, we must honor it with transparency and respect.”

His vision is not only immediate but long-term — balancing the pressing needs of today with strategies that ensure CHOC’s legacy of impact will grow stronger for generations to come.

Stories of Hope: Xichavo’s Journey

Nothing captures CHOC’s mission more than the stories of the children it serves. Among them is the remarkable journey of Xichavo, a young boy diagnosed with osteosarcoma shortly after losing his mother. Suddenly the head of a child-led household, responsible for two younger siblings, Xichavo faced overwhelming responsibility alongside a devastating diagnosis.

Initially unwilling to leave his siblings, he was persuaded to stay at CHOC’s Diepkloof House — a decision that changed his life. There, surrounded by unconditional support, he found more than shelter; he found a family. With guidance from CHOC’s team, his siblings were cared for, his treatment continued, and his hope was restored.

Today, Xichavo is a survivor with aspirations of becoming a chartered accountant. His journey, Hedley says, “is proof of what’s possible when care, dignity, and community come together.”

Grassroots Impact and National Reach

Hedley knows that real change begins at the grassroots. With over 90 staff across South Africa, CHOC maintains a strong presence in communities, ensuring its support is both local and relevant. From partnering with hospitals and clinics to training community health workers in the Siluan Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer, CHOC meets families where they are — geographically, emotionally, and culturally.

“Early diagnosis saves lives,” Hedley emphasizes. By raising awareness and empowering caregivers, CHOC is not only treating children but giving them their best chance at a future.

Building Bridges, Not Silos

For Hedley, partnerships are not an option; they are a necessity. CHOC collaborates with the South African Department of Health, provincial hospitals, and pediatric oncologists nationwide. Internationally, it works with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the WHO, and leading cancer alliances to share knowledge and strengthen care.

Corporate partners also play a vital role, contributing expertise and resources that extend far beyond funding. Community partnerships — with schools, NGOs, and volunteers — remain CHOC’s lifeblood, helping it connect with underserved families and spread awareness where it matters most.

“When we build together,” Hedley says, “we build stronger. Most importantly, we build hope.”

Navigating Challenges With Innovation

The path has not been without obstacles. From funding competition to reaching rural children where awareness is low, Hedley has steered CHOC with adaptability and innovation. Expanded transport services, accommodation near treatment centers, and the spirited fundraising efforts of The Cows are among the initiatives that bridge these gaps.

“Challenges remind us why we’re here — to remain close to the people we serve,” Hedley reflects.

Digital With Purpose

In today’s connected world, Hedley sees technology as a powerful ally. Through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, CHOC amplifies awareness, spreads vital information about early detection, and engages donors and supporters. “Technology isn’t just a tool — it’s an enabler of impact,” he says.

A Future Rooted in Hope

Hedley’s leadership is sustained by resilience rooted in purpose. The emotional toll of childhood cancer is heavy, yet the joy of seeing children smile again, families feel supported, and communities unite around hope fuels him and his team.

Looking forward, his vision is bold: a South Africa where no child suffers in silence, where early diagnosis is the norm, and where comprehensive care is accessible to all. With global ambitions aligned to raising childhood cancer survival rates to 60% by 2030, his journey is far from over.

Hedley Lewis’s legacy is one of courage, collaboration, and compassion — a legacy that ensures CHOC will continue to be a beacon of light for children and families across generations.