Free Accommodation for Kids with Cancer in Ukraine

At the heart of our Dacha Family House is the mission to keep families together during the most challenging times of their children's treatment. Today, I want to share the story of one such family.

Next year, Olia and Yurii will celebrate a significant milestone: 20 years together! They are a true team, doing everything together and always staying close. They built their dream home for a cozy family life with their daughter, Yulia. 

Yulia has always been a bright and agile child. She practiced karate for many years, even winning a silver medal at the Ukrainian Championship. Yulia grew up active and healthy, but then their world turned upside down. After a regular training session, the girl began experiencing knee pain, which soon led to limping.

After medical examinations, Yulia received a devastating diagnosis: bone cancer. Despite months of treatment, the tumor did not respond to medication and continued to grow. After four months with no positive changes, doctors suggested the possibility of amputation. But how could they tell their daughter?

Yurii took on this difficult mission. He was the first to tell Yulia about her leg, which, unfortunately, was being "taken by the illness." The three of them hugged and cried... "If this is necessary for me to survive, then cut it off," Yulia said resolutely.

After treatment in Kyiv, Olia and Yurii have returned home with Yulia, who now faces a long rehabilitation journey. They will continue to visit the Dacha together for follow-up care and support.

Mothers often become the primary caregivers, staying by their child’s side 24/7. They are incredibly brave and strong, but they also need the support of a strong, reliable partner. 

Thank you for making the Dacha Family House a reality. Your continued support keeps families together when they need it most.

Dear friends,

We would like to share with you the first story from the newly constructed Family House Dacha, a project that your generous donations made possible.

The Dacha long construction journey began in 2018. Despite challenges and delays caused by the Russian invasion, the official inauguration of the facility took place on October 31, 2023. Since November, the house has been offering comfort and care to children from throughout Ukraine receiving cancer treatment in Kyiv. In the final two months of 2023, the Dacha hosted 32 children and their families.

One of them is Hlib, a cheerful 3-year-old boy you see in the picture. His family had to flee their home in Zaporizhzhia, a city close to the frontline under constant shelling. They found refuge in the EU, but when Hlib began to feel unwell, they discovered that the necessary quality diagnostics and treatment were not available at their place of refuge. In the summer of 2023, they made the difficult trip back home, where they were confronted with the heartbreaking diagnosis of hepatoblastoma, a liver tumor.

The family traveled to Kyiv for the best available treatment at the National Cancer Institute. Hlib underwent surgery to remove the tumor, and thankfully, the worst was behind them. The boy is now undergoing chemotherapy. During his treatment, Hlib, along with his mother and grandmother, is staying at the House Dacha, surrounded by family affection and new friends. They live in a comfortable private room that feels like a second home.

Thank you so much for being there for Hlib and many Ukrainian kids like him who need your help!