FUNDACION ALADINA

Introduction and Activity Summary

For nearly two decades, the Aladina Foundation has established itself as a leading organization in Spain dedicated to supporting children and adolescents with cancer, as well as their families. Renowned for our innovative therapies and widely recognized within Spanish society, Aladina works with 22 public hospitals nationwide. Through these partnerships, we serve over 2,000 children annually and have supported 20,000 individuals since our foundation in 2005. Our unique approach combines medical treatment with laughter, play, and love, with a particular focus on adolescents — a group often overlooked in cancer care.

Beneficiary Story

Yasmina, mother of Valeria, shares her experience: "In 2022 we noticed some small marks on Valeria's skin. Two days after her tests, we were in the emergency room — she was diagnosed with medullary aplasia. Three months later, we learned she would need a bone marrow transplant, and in April 2023 the long-awaited call came: there was a compatible donor. I can't explain what I felt, but I know I could breathe again. The transplant, in July, was not easy, but Valeria has a joy that spreads to everyone around her. At just eight years old, she has taught me to truly want to LIVE and to never give up. The people we met along the way made it easier too: Laura, our Aladina psycho-oncologist, and Lara, with her workshops at home. Thank you, Aladina, for giving us back our smile and holding our hand in the hardest moments."

Impact and Statistics

This year, the Aladina Foundation reached significant milestones across its programs:

• Sustained our network of 22 public hospitals across Spain.
• Provided psychological care to 578 patients and families, and psychological support to 46 siblings of patients.
• Delivered 2,314 therapeutic leisure sessions to 402 patients through the "Together from Home" program.
• Engaged 334 patients in dog-assisted therapy across 428 sessions.
• Offered bereavement therapy to 61 parents and 21 siblings.
• Ran physical exercise programs for 340 patients and awarded 25 sports scholarships to patient-caregiver pairs.
• Granted 317 extraordinary aids to 177 families for cancer-related expenses.
• Provided 1,920 home visits through our Palliative Care Unit.
• Treated 87 patients for mucositis.
• Sent 206 children and adolescents to international summer camps.
• Supported 25 Ukrainian families with children facing cancer.
• Awarded 8 "Aladina Grants" to young pediatric oncologists.

Call to Action and Conclusion

Every year, 2,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed among children and adolescents in Spain. The Aladina Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to extend psychological, material, emotional, and research-based support to every child facing this illness. To reach more hospitals and help a greater number of children, we need your continued support. Together, we can create a meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of these brave young patients and their families.

Links:

• Aladina's website