First Pediatric Hospice in South America

Between May 25 and 29, we gathered with diverse organizations from the region at the18th CCI LATAM Conference at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with the aim to connect, learn, and collaborate on improving the quality of life for children and adolescents with cancer in Latin America.

On this opportunity, we were represented by our Executive Director, Mónica Gana, and our Director of Marketing and Communications, Rosario Altamirano, who exposed about Casa de Luz, the first pediatric hospice in Southamerica, and the possibility to apply for an international internship with us.

This year we were also invited to present on our successful communication and marketing campaigns for our main annual fundraising event, which we have been doing since 2021.

The 18th CCI LATAM Conference was a great instance to share experiences and strengthen partnerships of cooperation among those of us who work to provide comprehensive healthcare for children and adolescents with cancer.

Links:

• http://www.casafamilia.cl

In 2025, Casa de Luz, the first pediatric hospice in South America, continued providing compassionate palliative care and emotional support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Throughout the year, Fundación Casa Familia supported a total of 117 families, of which 26 families were welcomed at Casa de Luz. These families received comprehensive accompaniment, including compassionate palliative care, emotional support, and a safe, dignified environment during temporary stays or end-of-life care.

In addition to comprehensive nursing and psychosocial support, families at Casa de Luz had access to a range of complementary and alternative therapies aimed at enhancing emotional well-being and quality of life. These included canine-assisted therapy (canotherapy), hydrotherapy, equine-assisted therapy, art therapy, and music therapy, offering meaningful moments of connection, expression, and comfort for children and their families.

Our work is grounded in a family-centered care approach, ensuring that children and their loved ones are not alone during vulnerable moments, and that care is provided with dignity, warmth, and respect.

Thanks to the ongoing support of our donors and partners, Casa de Luz continues to strengthen access to pediatric palliative care in the region and to raise awareness of the importance of compassionate end-of-life care.