Wonder Woman in Pediatric Cancer with Sara Ibrahim!

Do you like to read about strong, industrious, soul-seeking women? I do!

Have you ever wondered where the women are through time in stoicism, art, literature, medicine, and even education? Yep, you read that right, men led the way in education for centuries.

So, where are all the women in history? It’s a question that has lingered in my mind since I was a little girl, reading about so many accomplished men and their works or gifts to mankind. Looking back at the philosophers, artists, scientists, and changemakers who shaped our world—so often dominated by men, not because women weren’t capable, but because they weren’t always seen, supported, or recorded. And yet, across every generation, women have been doing extraordinary work, quietly, persistently, and often without recognition (you know them!). It's changing, thank goodness, but not everywhere in the world. Today and tomorrow, I am shining a light and celebrating two such women who are not only present in this moment but also actively changing lives in the world of childhood cancer (if you have been reading my blog for a while, you know one of them). They are manufacturing sunshine for many children and their families across the globe. I am very proud of their efforts and compassion each day.

Introducing Sara Ibrahim, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia:

According to the 2026 Women Leaders in Pediatric Cancer (WLPO), Sara Ibrahim has been working at the Tesfa Addis Parents Childhood Cancer Organization (TAPCCO) since 2012. She played a pivotal role in organizing the parents’ group and developing its programs. She initially joined as a volunteer, supporting the founding parents in a range of activities including reporting, fundraising, and awareness-raising. Sara now serves as the Executive Director of TAPCCO, the only civil society organization in Ethiopia dedicated solely to supporting the fight against childhood cancer.

TAPCCO works with six public hospitals across five regions of Ethiopia that treat children with cancer: Tikur Anbessa Hospital, St. Paul Millennium Medical College, Jimma University Hospital, Gondar University Hospital, Ayder Specialized Hospital, and Hawassa University Hospital. Under her leadership, more than 3,000 patients and parents have received support. Treatment abandonment has been reduced by 70%, and she has helped ensure that childhood cancer is recognized by the government as a key area for intervention.

On my trip to Ethiopia with Dr. Aziza Shad in 2018, I joined Sara and Dr. Shad on a tour of the Tikur Anbessa Hospital in Addis. Sara also showed me around the Addis campus, then called the Mother Teresa Home, where the families live while undergoing treatment at the hospital. Sara's smile and kindness to me and to everyone we met that day at the home still fill my heart with gratitude and hope for all the families I met during the few days I shadowed them and the TAPCCO staff. The memories of my time playing and singing with the kids for two consecutive days are etched into my soul. Sara also arranged for me to tour around Addis and the surrounding area in Ethiopia, with a TAPCCO driver and Free, my faithful guide around this capital city.

Sara Ibrahim holds a BA in Sociology and Social Administration and an MA in Regional and Local Development Studies from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. She has over 20 years of experience in community work and support, and I was able to see firsthand how she brought her ideas to families living with and striving to survive cancer. Throughout her career, she has worked with both local and international organizations, including USAID- and EU-funded programs in Ethiopia, focusing on economic empowerment and other development initiatives. I was thankful to see how her work developed to help families, and that she maintained focus, creativity, and a positive attitude every single day. Is there any other way?

Sara and I still keep in touch. When she was in the States for a meeting a couple of years ago, we met up at Dr. Shad's home. I took her to lunch, where we had a leisurely discussion about improvements to TAPCCO and Ethiopia's Health Ministries. Sara's work is a major part of how Ethiopia is leading the way for the 54 African nations in combating childhood cancer and beyond! I love how she manufactures sunshine to the many families she sees and visits all over Ethiopia.

Congratulations, Sara!

bSoleille!

Terri

Sara and Me - 2023

Photos below include the quilts donated to the TAPCCO House, Dr. Shad & Julie Broas from the Aslan Project, me playing and singing with the kids, the presents we received from the staff, and a photo of the TAPCCO staff.