Free Accommodation for Kids with Cancer in Ukraine

Challenge

Being away from home for a long period of treatment is difficult psychologically both for an ill child and his/her family. It may have a negative impact on treatment results and family relations. For children who see doctors' white coats all the time and are subject to painful manipulations it is happiness to be in the house where they have their own bed, can close the door and nuzzle close to their mommy. It is very important to feel the atmosphere like at home instead of the hospital.

Solution

Zaporuka provides free accommodation for families at the Center Dacha. It is important to emphasize that these families live here as a complete unit to fight against cancer together: a mother, a father and a child, often with siblings. Every family has their room that becomes a real, though temporary, home for them for the period of treatment. There is also a room for relatives of children who are hospitalized, so those who don't live here can visit kids at the hospital.

Long-Term Impact

Zaporuka Foundation provides free accommodation for at least 100 families per year not only ensuring home comforts for sick children but also preserving families because spouses don't have to live separately as it happens at the hospital which may result in relationship difficulties or even divorces. The same refers to siblings who may feel abandoned if they don't spend enough time with their parents concentrating their attention on a sick child.

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Excel file (projdoc.xls).

Resources