Let's Help More Than 100 Children with Cancer

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family’s life changes in an instant. It is not only a medical emergency — it is a social, emotional, and financial crisis for which no one is ever fully prepared. As their daily routine is abruptly disrupted, and uncertainty and fear take hold, families are forced to confront urgent and complex questions: how to ensure proper treatment, how to survive financially, and how to remain emotionally strong.

Modern pediatric cancer treatment increasingly relies on personalized medicine—doctors prescribe medications tailored to a specific tumor type based on genetic testing results. This often requires access to next-generation chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy drugs that are either not available in Lithuania or not covered by the national healthcare system. A single course of such treatment may cost several—or even tens of—thousands of euros. For many families, this is an unbearable financial burden.

The Rugute Foundation responds swiftly to these needs—helping families obtain essential medications on time so that treatment can continue without delay. In pediatric oncology, survival often depends not only on what medicines are given, but when they are available.

At the beginning of treatment, most children require a central venous catheter—a critical medical device that allows safe and pain-free administration of medications, blood draws, and transfusions. These catheters significantly reduce the risk of infections, pain, and trauma. However, not all types are reimbursed, and more advanced options often come with additional costs. That’s why the Foundation’s support in this area is so vital.

Frequently, one parent must leave their job to provide full-time care for their sick child. As a result, household income drops—or disappears entirely—while essential expenses grow: travel to treatment centers, food, hygiene products, caregiving supplies, rehabilitation, and specialized nutrition during therapy become everyday challenges. The Rugute Foundation supports families during this demanding time. Our goal is that no family faces the crisis of childhood cancer alone.

We are sincerely grateful for the $1,710 USD in donations received through the GlobalGiving platform between June and August 2025.
YOUR support enables us to respond promptly and help children battling cancer:

• € 33,500 – provided financial assistance to families facing income loss due to a child’s illness.
• € 29,320 – used to purchase essential, but non-reimbursed medications.
• € 1,345 – funded the purchase of central venous catheters.
• € 530 – covered oral care products that help alleviate one of the most painful side effects of chemotherapy—mouth ulcers.
• € 3,032 – enabled the acquisition of high-quality nursing care supplies that improved treatment outcomes and recovery.
• € 1,916 – paid for life-saving genetic testing, allowing doctors to make more targeted and effective treatment decisions.

Every summer, we make a special effort to bring moments of joy to children in pediatric oncology wards. Once a week, ice cream days bring a welcome visit to the hospital—cooling treats that lift spirits and brighten long treatment days. It’s a small but meaningful moment when children can briefly forget about their illness, and smiles fill the room.

We deeply thank every one of you who donates through the GlobalGiving platform. Your generosity translates into real, life-changing support for children with cancer. Every dollar you give helps ensure access to essential medication, medical supplies, genetic testing—or simply a few joyful moments in a child’s healing journey.

We kindly invite you to share the mission of the Childhood Cancer Fund Rugute with friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Every contribution makes a difference.

Thank you for standing with us and helping create hope.

Every year, around 100 children in Lithuania — and their families — receive the life-altering diagnosis of cancer.

This unexpected news irrevocably changes the family’s daily life. One parent often must stop working to care for the child full-time, causing a sharp drop in household income, while treatment-related expenses quickly mount.

Traveling regularly to treatment facilities poses a serious financial strain, especially for families living far from the major cities where specialized care is available. In addition, hospitals in Lithuania provide meals only to the child undergoing treatment — the parent must cover their own food expenses, often during extended inpatient stays.

Cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy, can lead to painful side effects that require special nursing and skin care products. Long hospital stays and invasive procedures affect not only the child’s physical health but also their emotional well-being. That’s why it’s equally important to provide care, comfort, and moments of relief.

We are deeply grateful for the $1,448 USD donated via the GlobalGiving platform during March–May.
Your generosity helped us turn compassion into tangible support for children battling cancer:

• €20,500 – provided financial assistance to families facing income loss.
• €24,255 – used to purchase critical, often non-reimbursed medications.
• €1,791 – funded the purchase of central venous catheters.
• €1,109 – covered the cost of oral care products (Caphosol®, Mucosamin, Anaftin), which help relieve one of chemotherapy’s most painful side effects — mouth ulcers. These products allow children to eat without intense pain, improving both their nutrition and emotional state.
• €1,929 – allowed us to acquire a variety of high-quality care supplies that enhanced nursing outcomes and supported faster recovery.
• €3,065 – covered the cost of vital genetic testing, enabling more targeted and effective treatment decisions.

Every day, we witness new stories, fresh challenges, and rising hopes. And every day, we feel your presence beside us — the presence of people who believe that no child should face cancer alone.

Because of you, we can respond swiftly to urgent medical needs, bring comfort during the hardest moments, and walk alongside families on their journey toward healing.

Thank you. Your kindness has become hope — and that hope has become real, lasting change in children’s lives.