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.