Help Lithuanian Kids in their Battle with Cancer

During this spring (i.e., March, April, May) our organization continued to support children with cancer and their families. We spent 13698.97 euros for the children’s medical treatment, care, therapy, as well as the improvement of the oncology wing's environment. During these months, we received $135 (USD or 122.97 euros) from our Global Giving donors.

Throughout the three months we made weekly visits to the hospitals in Vilnius and Kaunas where we brought supplies such as diapers, wet wipes, and other personal care products. During the three months, we distributed approximately 150 packs of diapers and 200 packs of wet wipes, which amount to approximately 3300 euros. Mothers of children with cancer expressed great need for these items, as parents are faced with financial difficulties during their child’s cancer treatment. For example, our little 2-year-old patient, Nedas’, mother described “before, a pack of diapers would last us close to an entire month, whereas after Nedas was afflicted with this illness all the diapers are gone within four days.” In addition, we purchased an essential formula for a baby with cancer (70 euros) and covered the travel costs for three families with financial difficulties who needed to get from faraway towns in Lithuania to the Children’s Hospital in Vilnius (Santariskes), which amounted to approximately 1524.49 euros.

During the month of March the organization purchased much-needed medical equipment for the Kaunas clinic – an electrocardiograph and Holter monito for 2646.27 euros. We also covered the costs of Onkopsychology educational lectures for medics at the rehabilitation clinic “Saulute” in Druskininkai (450 euros).

During the three months, the organization organized 45 therapeutic workshops and other functions for for children with cancer and their parents at the Children’s Hospital in Vilnius (Santariskes) and in the Kaunas Pediatric Clinics. We held photography workshops, dreamcatcher building, meditation with gongs, kite-making celebration, and many other events. On May 18, we organized a field trip for our little patients to a dolphinarium in Klaipeda for 350 euros. The children were able to interact with the dolphins, touch them and speak to them, they watched a dolphin performance, and were able to take a tour of the aquarium.

During the spring months we worked to bring gifts and surprises to the little patients on the oncology wing. We celebrated 31 birthdays and granted the wishes of 6 kids. Jovita always dreamed of having a Yorkshire puppy, Samanta dreamed of a shopping spree, Auguste dreamed of a Barbie doll house, Kipras dreamed of having his own personal computer, Zygimantas dreamed of visiting the theme park “Labas” and having a cell phone, and Gytis’ long dreamed of attending a “Neptunas” basketball game. 

We are continuing our support of a 3-year old boy Maximilian who is receiving treatment in Switzerland's cancer clinics. Maximilian is diagnosed with eye cancer (retinoblastoma) and all the treatment options in Lithuania have been exhausted. The boy must be cared for in Switzerland's clinics. Therefore, over a three-month period we paid 6266 euros for Maximilian’s treatment, nursing, traveling and accommodation in Switzerland. During the last check-up the doctors informed Maximilian’s parents that all of the tumors are eliminated and that his cancer is in remission. We are all hoping that he will receive good news such as this during his next check-up. 

Our organisation is taking care of Gabrielius, who has retinoblastoma and are being treated in Switzerland too. We contributed 1000 euros to Gabrielius' treatment and travel.

We want to thank every person, who is contributing to the well-being of the children with such a devastating sickness. All of your contributions make their difficult battle with the disease slightly easier.

During the months of December, January and February we were taking care of children with cancer in the Children’s Hospital in Vilnius (Santariskes) and in the Kaunas Pediatric Clinics. We delivered care and treatment supplies, a walker, bedding, pajamas, kitchen utensils and appliances. We organized therapeutic sessions for children with cancer and their parents. In addition, we were taking care of children in need of treatment abroad. During the three month period, we have provided 10239 euros for treatment, nursing, therapeutic workshops and improvement of the oncology wing's overall environment.

Parents of a two-year old boy Maximiliano were referred to our organization – a boy diagnosed with eye cancer (retinoblastoma). All the treatment options in Lithuania have already been exhausted. The boy must be cared for in Switzerland's clinics. Therefore, over a two-month period we paid 4400 euros for Maximiliano’s treatment, nursing, traveling and accommodation in Switzerland. The financial support to the family was provided with the help from our sponsors. Furthermore, we spent 3539 euros for Gabrielius' treatment. He also has retinoblastoma and is being treated in Switzerland.

We have delivered hygiene products, diapers, wet wipes, shampoos, mouthwashes and medical bandages to the oncohematology department in Vilnius, all worth approximately 1000 euros. Approximately 70 packages of diapers, 100 packages of wet wipes, more than 100 packs of colorful bandages, 10 bottles of shampoo and body oil as well as other care products were given. We have presented 50 new pillows and 45 new sets of pajamas, all amounting to approximately 800 euros. In addition, we have brought a walker to the hospital for Demean, as this 1,8 year-old boy, due to the disease, cannot control his leg muscles. We always strive to provide the extra care to children from orphanages needing treatment at the hospital – currently we have a boy for whom we bring food,medical supplies, as well as clothing items.

With the help from our sponsors, we have brought to the oncohematology wing's kitchen, the much needed dishes, utensils, and kitchen appliances, such as pans, pots, cutting boards, toaster, cutlery, ladle, strainer, cutting knifes, knife sharpener, sandwich grill, mill, soup plates, bowls and cups. All of this costs approximately 500 euros.

During the winter period, we organized various festivities and therapeutic workshops on the oncology wing for the children and their parents. The children were visited by Olympic Champion, Ruta Meilutyte; beauty workshops and demonstrations were organized for the mothers; Squash book making session for children and their parents. In December, red Christmas stockings were hung on the doors of all of the wards, and the little patients would find a toy or a treat in them every morning during Advent.

We want to thank every person, who is contributing to the well-being of the little patients. It is our belief that the best care should be provided to children with such a devastating sickness, anything that would make their battle with the disease even slightly easier.