The story of CADAC is deeply intertwined with the life and vision of Dr. Anne Merriman (1935–2025), a globally celebrated pioneer in palliative care and a compassionate advocate for the vulnerable. Dr. Anne dedicated her life to ensuring dignity in health and illness, most notably by introducing palliative care services across Africa.
As a visionary, she recognized the silent struggles of childhood cancer survivors living with disabilities—a group often overlooked in health and social support systems. With her characteristic passion and unwavering faith in humanity, she laid the foundation of CADAC to address this unique need.
“Our love comes from God, and our compassion comes from the example of a good Samaritan. Compassion is such an important thing for us, not only in work, but also with each other”. Dr Anne Merriman.
The Cancer Disabilities Advocacy Centre – CADAC is a Ugandan non-profit organization dedicated to restoring dignity, opportunities, and hope for childhood cancer survivors living with disabilities. Founded with a strong vision of equity and empowerment, CADAC addresses the unique challenges faced by survivors who, beyond battling cancer, must also navigate the long-term physical, social, and economic consequences of disability.
Providing the academic resources and mentorship
CADAC’s work is grounded in the same compassionate principles that shaped the development of palliative care in Uganda. Both are driven by a commitment to honour life, uphold dignity and ensure that no individual faces illness or its long-term consequences without support. While palliative care provides comfort, relief and holistic care during the course of illness, CADAC carries that promise forward by supporting survivors long after treatment ends.
For many childhood cancer survivors, the end of medical treatment does not signal the end of their struggle. Survivors often live with life-altering disabilities such as limb loss, impaired vision or hearing, cognitive challenges or mobility limitations. These outcomes deeply affect their confidence, opportunities and sense of belonging. CADAC exists to bridge this gap—ensuring that survivors are not left behind once the clinical phase of care is over.
We view survivorship as an essential extension of palliative care. Children who overcome cancer deserve more than survival; they deserve the chance to grow, learn, work and participate fully in society. CADAC was created to make this possible. Through educational support, skills development, psychosocial care and advocacy, we help survivors reclaim their future.
Our approach is therefore a natural continuation of the palliative care journey. Palliative care walks with families through the challenges of illness, and CADAC walks with them into the next chapter—restoring hope, strengthening resilience and creating pathways to independence.
CADAC’s work completes the continuum of compassionate care. By standing beside childhood cancer survivors as they rebuild their lives, we help fulfil the deeper vision of palliative care: supporting individuals not only to live with dignity during illness, but also live and thrive beyond cancer.
To Create Equal Opportunities In The Community For Childhood Cancer Survivors With Disabilities
A Nation Where Childhood Cancer Survivors With Disabilities Are Self- Reliant And Productive
The story of the Cancer Disabilities Advocacy Centre (CADAC) began with compassion and a simple, but urgent, realization.
Dr. Anne Merriman (MHSRIP), the founder of Hospice Africa Uganda and a pioneer of palliative care in Uganda and Africa, had walked alongside three young people during their cancer journey. Each of them had survived cancer but was left with a disability that made daily life and independence a challenge. They came from families of modest means, unable to afford further education or opportunities for self-reliance.
Livelihood Initiative for Childhood Cancer Survivors with Disabilities
An initiative that facilitates survivors' access, retention, and success in government schools.
The program influences policy and builds national awareness of the unseen challenges limiting the lives of cancer survivors with disabilities.
Designed to address the emotional, mental, and social well-being of childhood cancer survivors living with disabilities and their families
Demonstrating empathy, care, and understanding in all interactions with cancer survivors, individuals with disabilities, and their families, Providing support with dignity and respect for every individual’s unique journey.
Advocating for equal opportunities and rights for all, regardless of ability, health status, or background. Promoting diversity and eliminating barriers that hinder participation in society.
Enabling individuals to achieve independence and self-reliance through skills training, education, and support. Inspiring confidence and self-worth in cancer survivors and persons with disabilities
Upholding honesty, transparency, and accountability in all operations, relationships, and decisions. Ensuring ethical practices in the management of resources and stakeholder engagements.
Building strong partnerships with stakeholders, including donors, government agencies, healthcare providers, and other organizations, to achieve shared goals. Fostering teamwork among staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries to maximize impact.
Discover the positive change we’ve created through our programs, partnerships, and dedicated efforts. From healthcare and education to environmental sustainability.
Providing essential healthcare services and resources to communities.
Providing essential healthcare services and resources to communities.
Providing essential healthcare services and resources to communities.
Meet the passionate individuals driving our mission forward, committed to creating meaningful change and building a brighter future for all.
Working with [NGO Name] has been a truly inspiring experience. Their dedication to uplifting communities and creating sustainable change is unmatched. Through their programs, I’ve seen lives transformed and hope restored
You can volunteer, donate, or partner with us to support our initiatives. Visit our Get Involved page for more details.
You can volunteer, donate, or partner with us to support our initiatives. Visit our Get Involved page for more details.
You can volunteer, donate, or partner with us to support our initiatives. Visit our Get Involved page for more details.
You can volunteer, donate, or partner with us to support our initiatives. Visit our Get Involved page for more details.
You can volunteer, donate, or partner with us to support our initiatives. Visit our Get Involved page for more details.
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