Our funds were used to acquire non-covered drugs, essential nursing care items, for supporting children's treatment abroad and for funding their trips to hospitals and back, as well as for children's birthdays and dreams. Funding was allocated for the treatment of Martynas, Adrijus in Switzerland.
Over the period of three months the trips to Switzerland were conducted as follows: Martynas travelled once a month, Adrijus – twice. Trip and treatment expenses were covered by a sum of 25225,69 USD.
This time, after Martin returns from Lausanne clinics, we share a letter from his mom:
"Hi,
It is urgent to rejoice that, after a month and a half of illness, Martynas has finally got rid of cough, angina and temperature. I also had some stress as I noticed changes in the Martynas long-term catheter implanted subcutaneously during bathing. We received an urgent referral to the Kaunas Clinics where the catheter was surgically removed due to displacement and unfit for further use. We thank dr. A. Kilda for the urgent operation. We are delighted that the latter has served us for a year and a half and greatly facilitated the work of doctors and associates, but recently the implanted catheter was no longer in use and simple, disposable were used.
The trip to Switzerland passed smoothly. After the operation, it turned out that a new tumor under the eye had been treated. Of course, the news is not the worst, but not as good as we expected. We still have hope for recovery and we believe in the doctors, their work and their dedication to the profession.
The next trip to Switzerland is scheduled a month later.
Greetings everyone from Martynas! "
FIRST TRIP TO SWITZERLAND
Little Adrijus today (2019 10 10) embarked on the first major and very important journey of his life - treatment at pediatric clinics in Lausanne. A few months ago, at just 1.5 months old Adrijus was diagnosed with a rare oncological disease, retinoblastoma (a malignant eye tumor), which is rare in Lithuania.
After the plane landed at Geneva Airport, Adrijus and his mother were met at the airport by Swiss Lithuanians, who willingly agreed to help with their medical trip.
A little bit of tension because everything had to be a little different. Swiss medics changed their treatment plan after Little Adrijus examination and cheered us on the good news. There was an urgent need to change family return tickets. And here again, the goodness of the people triumphs, and in just a few conversations about a small person, people who are united in a team and live in different countries.
Well, this time the experience of a short trip to Lausanne clinics is shared by Adrijus mom:
„Hi, I know you are looking forward to seeing what's new here. So, I hurry to write down everything.
Yesterday was an consultation with an anesthesiologist and prof. Munier's assistant. Explained what might be done, why some treatment might be needed.
An eye examination with anesthesia was ordered today. And after that everything had to turn out. That's it.
Good news
Adrijus will not need chemotherapy at this time. Now laser treatment has been done. Left eye completely healthy and clean. She sees one hundred percent. There are three tumors in the right eye, but the right eye also sees it, only weaker. Because the eyesight is not the same, you will need to put a patch on the left eye to develop and strengthen the right eye.
The expenses amounted to 2.874,77 USD .
Additionally, over the period of three months we had been providing essential nursing care items (diapers, wet wipes, and covers) and dispensed: diapers – 40 pcs, wet wipes – 45, covers – 90. Other hygiene items (such as cream, shower gel, shampoo): cream – 30 pcs, shower gel and shampoo – 20.
For families whose children are treated in Vilnius University Santaros Children’s Hospital and in Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinic we also provided support and organised events. During these events we presented items for the use in the children's activity room – 30 learning games, new children's clothes, 50 big boxes of fruits for all children in the hospitals, 30 pizzas.
We also celebrated birthdays of 35 children. Our efforts are dedicated to making kids' hospital days easier and brighter and for making them happier.
As always, we traditionally wish children health!
We would like to express our gratitude to all Global Giving donors who are not indifferent to children's pain and are constantly supporting those who need those warm wishes and support the most.
This summer, over the period from June through August the charitable foundation Mamu Unija had provided 44 879,72 USDof aid for children suffering from oncological diseases as well as support for their families. These funds were used to acquire non-covered drugs, essential nursing care items, for supporting children's treatment abroad and for funding their trips to hospitals and back, as well as for children's birthdays and dreams. Funding was allocated for the treatment of Laurynas, Domas and Maksimilijanas in Switzerland. We would also like to express our gratitude to global giving donors who contributed 374,86 USD.
Over the period of three months the trips to Switzerland were conducted as follows: Maksimilijanas travelled once, Laurynas – twice and Domas – twice. Trip and treatment expenses were covered by a sum of 5 969,61 USD
Domas's mum was happy “our little Domas and his family are sending their greetings! After the trip to Switzerland his eyes are in a stable condition, doctors found no changes. It is a great achievement for us to receive only positive news for a second time in a row. My heart felt that all will be fine,” Domas's mum Sandra said. Keep up the good job, dear trooper Domas! Thank you everyone for the support.
Laurynas's mum also shared her experience about his treatment: “Laurynas is growing into a great guy with a strong character. He always tries to get what he wants, at any cost. For a very long time Laurynas was unable to speak but now we are happy to announce that we can talk to each other and he learns new words every day. The boy attends a special kindergarten for children with eyesight disorders. There he is constantly monitored by specialists, undergoes special training and is treated by a speech therapist. We are waiting for our September meeting with Swiss therapists and expecting good news.”
Also, to our Austeja who lost her leg to disease, we ordered and purchased a leg prosthesis for 27 373 USD. For now Austeja is waiting for her prosthesis and is already learning to walk with a temporary prosthesis.
We also purchased non-covered antifungal medicines and food supplements to our little Mintare as after a long and demanding treatment she refused to eat for some time. The expenses amounted to 1900 USD . Thus, the total sum of treatment expenses over the period of three months is 36 576,40 USD
Additionally, over the period of three months we had been providing essential nursing care items (diapers, wet wipes, and covers) and dispensed: diapers – 35 pcs, wet wipes – 36, covers – 52. Other hygiene items (such as cream, shower gel, shampoo): cream – 22 pcs, shower gel and shampoo – 16.
For families whose children are treated in Vilnius University Santaros Children’s Hospital and in Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinic we also provided support and organised events. During these events we presented items for the use in the children's activity room – 44 learning games, McQueen tables and chairs, new children's clothes, 80 big boxes of candy for all children in the hospitals, 50 pizzas and 20 kg of blueberries.
We also celebrated birthdays of 41 children. Our efforts are dedicated to making kids' hospital days easier and brighter and for making them happier.
We also prepared amusing tasks such as pizza or ice cream making sessions. Moreover, we invited professional hairdressers and make-up artists to give some joy to mums and to our little troopers. Children had a possibility to enjoy the company of Canine Therapy Centre pets. One of the mothers shared her experience and said “your heart melts when those tiny fingers are touching soft and fluffy fur and the whole department is full of children's voices and laughter. Then you realise that it really helps to get better as they, in their long and hard journey, need as much positive emotions and gentle touch as possible.”
We are eternally grateful for such cosy meetings, positive emotions, unlimited love for children and their precious time to Iveta, the soul of canine therapy, and her entire team. And a special thanks to Matilda and Brukne who did not shy away from children's embraces and kisses. And of course, let us express our gratitude to dogs’ owners for their care and for taking the time to do good deeds.
We would like to express our gratitude to all Global Giving donors who are not indifferent to children's pain and are constantly supporting those who need those warm wishes and support the most.
Over the period from March through April and May the charitable foundation Mamu Unija had provided 95 285.99 USD of aid for children suffering from oncological diseases as well as support for their families. All the funds had been allocated for obtaining non-covered drugs, nursing care items, for supporting children's' treatment abroad and for funding their trips to hospitals and back. These funds had also been used for children's birthdays and to fulfil their biggest dreams; as well as for organising exciting activities helping children and their families brighten up their days.
Laurynas, Maksimilijanas and Domas continue their treatment in Switzerland. Laurynas's mom, whose son has been diagnosed with eye cancer, is finally smiling happily:
"It's our 15th time here, isn't it? I keep losing track already. Or is it the 16th? It would seem everything should be familiar now, all procedures and their sequence should be known. But each time you come here with a trembling heart, like the first time. However, we have good news - the tumour is no longer active and there are no new ones. The eyesight of his left eye has improved by 5%, while the eyesight of his right eye is perfect. As of August we have been travelling to Switzerland only for routine examination, thus, Laurynas has not been given any treatment for over 6 months now. We truly hope that it will not be required any more. Since the risk for tumour recurrence is diminishing, the gaps between visits are getting longer. This time the treating professor let us go for 3 months. The next visit is scheduled in summer," said Laurynas's mom Ramune.
Domas went to Switzerland twice over the period of 3 months. The expenses of his treatment are 3,565.27 USD. Domas's mom shared her thoughts on the subject of treatment:
"For the first time Domas underwent his examination like a real man - not a single tear shed. And the news was so good! His eyesight is improving, which means we are making progress.
Another piece of great news is that there were no new signs of disease. No treatment has been assigned - his eye is clean! We are jumping with joy and we hope that the next visit that is scheduled next month is going to be similarly satisfying, because how much more can we take...
Greetings to everyone!"
In addition, over the period of 3 months, we had been constantly providing critical nursing care items for 38 children: Diapers – 70 pcs., wet wipes – 40 pcs.; blankets – 221 pcs, other hygiene items (creams, shower gel, shampoos) - 54 have been dispensed accordingly.
When a child is suffering from oncological disease, families' expenses sky-rocket, this is why we work on compensating families' expenses of travelling from and to hospitals. Over the period of 3 months we had allocated 2,422.55 USD for fuel so that 46 families could freely travel for examination and treatment purposes.
We have allocated 74,770.02 USD for the construction of Children's Oncology Support Centre which is to provide psychological support and rehabilitation services for children suffering from oncological diseases and for their families.
Over this period we had congratulated 53 children on their birthdays and managed to fulfil 19 biggest dreams ranging from a cell phone to small mouthorgan. Each Wednesday in Vilnius Santaros Clinic and each Thursday in Kaunas Clinic we had organised events for children and their parents.
Our guests entertained children with their performances, different characters, and various activities such as creating natural wax candles, nitrogen and fire shows or pizza nights for the entire ward!
Since moms whose children are diagnosed with cancer have no time for themselves, each month the hospital ward is visited by beauty specialists who offer to do make-up, hair and face procedures and manicure.
And finally we would like to share Austeja's mom’s thoughts on almost battled disease:
"This is something incredible. This Friday we had our last chemo treatment. Tomorrow, Tuesday, she should be free of any drugs.
It is unbelievable, but it's happening.
Now we only hope that her blood remains as is and we will be progressing to a new level. We will start learning to walk. Everyone is waiting for their new baby to start walking. Just like us - waiting for our daughter to start walking with her new leg.
Over the winter season in December, January and in February our charitable foundation Mamu Unija has provided 72,173.00 USD of aid for children suffering from oncological diseases as well as support for their families. All funds have been allocated for obtaining non-covered drugs, nursing care items; these funds were also used to fulfil the biggest children's dreams and their birthdays. We would also like to express our gratitude to GlobalGiving donors who contributed to the aid by allocating 1,187.00 USD
5,522.00 USD worth of support has been provided to Laurynas, Domas and Maksimilijanas' treatment in Switzerland. Maksimilijanas had been to Switzerland (2 times), Laurynas – (1 time).
Domas went there last week for the 20th time in a row. Numerous cold and hot laser treatments, 25 anaesthesias, countless tears and sleepless nights and sinking heart, constantly sick with worry. Such are the days you have to endure when your child is suffering from an oncological disease. But today Domukas's mom Sandra is strong and she said “We have been given this tiny moment of happiness and we are happy with each little victory in our battle. I wouldn't wish such battles upon anyone. Each moment you feel joy is immediately darkened by another blow. However, you gather up all your strength and try to stay positive, because Domukas needs all of our help. He's a wonderful boy and he is going to win. Together we can do anything!”
We have purchased antifungal medicines for 923USD. These medicines were compensated for Ermin and Dimitrij's treatment.
We have provided 15,920.00 USD of social support over 3 months for 8 struggling families who have children suffering from oncological diseases.
In addition, over the period of 3 months, we have been constantly providing critical nursing care items (such as diapers, wet wipes, blankets), of which: diapers – 79 pcs., wet wipes – 41 pcs.; blankets – 30 pcs, other hygiene items (creams, shower gel, shampoos) - 24 have been dispensed accordingly.
We have purchased 13 highly needed functional beds for the Lithuanian Health Science University Hospital, Children’s' Oncology Department. These beds will help bed-ridden children reduce their pain. We have also purchased 15 air humidifiers for hospital rooms to help humidify dry air during heating season, as well as 2 perfusion pumps. We have allocated 2,788.00 USD these necessary items.
We have managed to fulfil 20 biggest children's dreams. Augustus’s mom was very happy and wrote “Thank you, thank you, Mamu Unija! We couldn't be happier. We can go outside everyday now, because Augustas's new stroller is so roomy and comfortable. Since our baby is unable to walk on his own, this was a highly needed item. I am sincerely grateful!” Over this period we had congratulated 56 children on their birthdays and had organised 26 different events ranging from the animation to climbing, nature photographers' and nitrogen shows!
This is our way of making the kids' treatment period happier and more entertaining, helping them learn new things and acquire knowledge.
While our little Justas, who has been suffering from autoimmune disease for 5 years and as a result has lost usual abilities, has finnaly managed to make progress which is a source of immense joy to his family. His mom shares her joy with everyone: "At last my baby, my little pumpkin, my biggest joy and my pain in one, is able to squat. For some this may seem as a small thing, but for us this is yet another battle won, another box ticked in a very long row of boxes. When a child loses his ability to do the simplest tasks while other children are running around and climbing trees, the heartache is palpable. However, today we have one less heartache and one more night we can all sleep again. We still have many tasks ahead: running, riding a bike, getting healthy and stronger...”
We wish that our little troopers and their families have strength to battle this disease as soon and as easily as possible!
We are also very grateful to our Global Giving donors for their kindness and help and for giving our children a chance to smile!
Links:
Charity fund “Mamu unija“ during September, October and November have collected donations of 159 692 USD for children, who suffer from cancer.
All the money was used for children’s not compensated medications, nursing measures, to compensate fuel for riding to hospital and back home. Also, 4 children were sent to Switzerland to cure eye cancer and for new project as well. “Child Oncology Help Center” (“Vaiku onkologijos pagalbos centras”) – is a project, which gist is a home, which is not in a hospital and creates home environment. This project is like a social phenomenon – home. “Mamu unija” initiated this project because we aimed to build up a home, which would be designed for a child, who suffers from cancer and his family, so they could live and spend their free time there. This home would help to create a secure, cozy and helping to heal atmosphere.
During three months, for the construction of this home we spent 135 416 USD.
We supported kids’ (Laurynas, Domas, Maksimilijanas and a new girl named Aiste) treatment in the clinics of Switzerland (17 608 USD). Laurynas and Domas traveled to Switzerland for two times, Aiste and Maksimilijanas – once.
We have got the good news from our Laurynas – who is treated in Switzerland. Boy’s mother Ramune says: “Laurynas is already after inspection and the news are great. The tumor is completely destroyed, inactive and very little – about 4 mm size. We hope it won’t recover. The greatest risk for tumor to recover is within half a year after the last treatment, so the professor will monitor us and then transmit to Lithuanian doctors for checking. Later, the risk decreases and if the tumor will be inactive for two years – cancer is defeated!”
Also, during these three months, we provided the most essential nursing measures: diapers, wet wipes, mats. We distributed: diapers – 70 units, we wipes – 90 units, mats – 100 units. We gave away other hygiene measures (crèmes, shower gels, shampoos): crèmes – 40 units, shower gels and shampoos – 20 units, vaselines – 25 units.
During the 3 months we wished happy birthday for 50 children, fulfill 8 children’s biggest dreams. One of the mothers shared some joy after the fulfilled dream of her daughter:
“When the smile appears to your face, daughter, it’s so easy and well in the heart. This is the first smile since Saturday. Even if you say that you feel good, I can see you are exhausted because of the temperature and nausea. However, today is different and we hope that this night and tomorrow will be the same, that the smile will adorn your face more often, that blood indicators finally will start to recover and will rise soon. WE are strong and we will defeat this disease with all the support and good thoughts. “
Also, our Austeja’s dream was to visit USA, we fulfilled this dream and she, together with fund manager Egle Melinauskiene, traveled around her dream country for two weeks.
It is worth to mention that in the Vilnius Santariškes Division and Kaunas Oncology Department on every Wednesday we organized 28 events: we welcomed Olympic champion Ruta Meilutyte , played with physical principles and nitrogen, also baked pancakes with a 3D printer.
We want to thank all Global Giving donors, who help us to achieve our goals, fulfill children’s dreams and get well soon!
Links:
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