Our Story
How one family's fight to save their son became a promise to Tanzania's children.
Brainard's story
At the age of only eight months, Brainard was diagnosed with Wilms tumor — a childhood kidney cancer. Before that diagnosis he had suffered recurrent high fevers and received repeated treatment without improvement, until a hard mass was discovered in his abdomen. Further investigations confirmed cancer.
Brainard underwent treatment at Apollo Hospital in Chennai, India, where he spent approximately nine months receiving specialized care. By God's grace and through the dedication of healthcare professionals, he survived.
After his recovery, families began approaching Brainard's parents seeking advice and support for their own children. Through these encounters the family saw a pattern repeat itself: delayed diagnosis, interrupted treatment, inadequate nutrition, and a lack of support. Some children died at home; others died during treatment.
Those experiences led to the founding of the Brainard Children's Kidney Cancer Foundation, registered as a Tanzanian non-governmental organization on 3 March 2026 — so that no family would have to face childhood cancer alone.
Brainard's journey
Photographs from the months of treatment that led to the Foundation.
“Our mission is to ensure that no child is denied the opportunity to survive because of lack of awareness, delayed diagnosis, poverty, or inadequate support.”Byekwaso Tabura — Founder & Chairperson, Brainard's father
Vision
A Tanzania where every child affected by kidney or abdominal cancer is diagnosed early, receives quality treatment, grows up healthy, confident, and supported throughout life.
Mission
To promote early diagnosis, holistic treatment, and lifelong wellbeing for children with kidney and abdominal cancers by empowering families, strengthening health systems, improving nutrition and hygiene, and building a connected community of survivors and caregivers.
Our values
Five commitments that guide everything we do.
Compassion
We serve children and families with empathy, dignity, and care.
Integrity
We uphold transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct.
Collaboration
We believe lasting impact is achieved through partnerships.
Hope
We promote resilience and optimism for affected children and families.
Equity
Every child deserves access to quality care regardless of social or economic status.