Help Cancer Patients Pay for Travel Expenses!

In March we shared a story of Oleg, a 4-year old treated in Germany.  Your donation allowed us to help his family with the costs of lodging.  In April we transferred 600 euros to Oleg's parents, which covered almost 2 months of apartment rent.  They were very grateful and asked us to thank everyone for their care and support! 

In April we also helped another young patient, Matvei, who came to Houston from a city in Siberia.  Matvei has received initial treatment in Russia, but uncertain lesions remained and opinions were split on the best course of action.  His family brought Matvei for a consultation at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and after an evaluation and a short-term stay Matvei was cleared to go home.  We helped Matvei with a hotel stay for the first two days in the city.  He is a delightful little boy and it was a joy to meet him. 

Thanks again for your support of our lodging project!  It makes a significant, tangible difference to our patients and we are proud to be a part of it.  If you feel the same, please spread the word! 

We have recently received a new request for help from a family of a little Russian boy who is currently treated in Germany.   Oleg is 4 years old.  He was a happy and active kid who loved toy cars, robots and dinosaurs, until two years ago when he suddenly got fever and stomachache, and became naseous.  A large abdominal tumor was discovered at ultrasound examination. And then treatment began - it included three surgeries, 8 cycles of chemotherapy and 12 sessions of radiation therapy.  After one of the surgeries, Oleg lost 90% of his blood and got infected with hepatitis B in transfused blood.  Eventually, he achieved remission - but only for two months.  After relapse, his doctors suggested traveling abroad for further treatment, as Russia lacks such modern approaches as MIBG therapy, widely used in Europe. 

Oleg's parents are young people who could not pay full costs of cancer treatment in another country.  Fortunately, a large Russian charity stepped in and agreed to sponsor Oleg's hospital bills.  Recently Oleg and his mom arrived at Greifswald, Germany.  The University Hospital of Greifswald specializes in treating children with the type of cancer Oleg has, but it will take a long time and much effort.  Oleg's family will need to remain there on treatment for at least six more months, and they need to raise funds to afford long-term lodging.   Please help us support Oleg's family in their fight for their son.

Thanks again for your support for our patients!