SAVE A CHILD WITH CANCER

At the Children's Hospital, we have the busiest pediatric oncology unit in Medellín. In 2024, we launched our bone marrow transplant service with two specialized care beds, reaffirming our commitment to providing comprehensive care for the region. Each year, we treat over 690 children with oncology diagnoses, conduct more than 3,700 chemotherapy sessions, and provide over 3,900 consultations.

How does your donation help? 

Most of our patients come from rural areas and municipalities in Antioquia and Chocó, facing not only the challenges of cancer but also significant economic hardships. With your support and the help of our allies, we created the Rescuing Smiles Program, which this year delivered:

• 130 preventive kits.
• 109 treatment kits.
• New transplant kits.

Why are Transplant Kits important?

The leading cause of mortality in bone marrow transplants is infections, which primarily enter through the skin. During the pre-transplant conditioning process, the patient’s immune system becomes extremely vulnerable to bacteria, viruses, and fungi, significantly increasing the risk of severe infections.

These kits include specialized products for intensive care of the skin and mucous membranes, essential to reducing bacterial colonization and protecting children during the 3 to 6 months of immune recovery post-transplant. Many of our patients cannot afford these high-cost products, but thanks to your support, we can provide them, ensuring their care and saving lives.

More than a hospital, a place of hope

Beyond medical care, we work with dedication and love to create a safe and welcoming environment. In 2024, we organized over 77 children’s activities, including traveling shows, workshops, and gift deliveries, bringing moments of joy and emotional support to our young patients during their treatment.

Every smile, every life story inspires us to keep going. Like Dulce’s story, an 8-year-old girl diagnosed with acute leukemia. Thanks to your donation, we can provide Dulce and many other children with the comprehensive care they need to overcome their battles.

Become a monthly donor with just $10

Sponsor a child in their fight against cancer. Your contribution brings smiles and hope to our oncology unit.

Did you know? According to reports from the National Cancer Institute, 26.4% of new cancer cases in children aged 0 to 4 years in Colombia are due to retinoblastoma.

For over 20 years, we have been leaders in treating this disease, an eye cancer that primarily affects children under the age of 3. It can impact one or both eyes, is highly aggressive, and can lead to death and childhood blindness.

Retinoblastoma is often detected by a white reflection in the pupil known as the “cat's eye reflex,” and requires urgent, specialized medical attention. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have implemented intra-arterial chemotherapy, an innovative technique that delivers chemotherapy directly to the affected eye through a catheter. This advanced method enhances treatment precision, increases effectiveness, and minimizes the side effects of chemotherapy.

Each month, over 20 children from across Colombia receive care through our retinoblastoma program. We work tirelessly to save their sight and their lives, with a firm mission to ensure every child receives the best possible treatment.

Thanks to your donation, we can provide ocular prosthetics to children who have lost an eye due to cancer and cannot afford one. An ocular prosthetic costs $380 USD, but its impact is invaluable: it not only restores the child's physical appearance but also helps them regain confidence and motivation to continue their recovery process.

Thank you for being part of this mission of care, struggle, and hope for many Colombian children and families, who find in our hospital a true opportunity for life.

Our goal is to donate at least 5 prosthetics each year to the children who need them most. We have already delivered 3, and with your support, we are confident we will reach our goal. DONATE NOW!

A hug from the Retinoblastoma Team at San Vicente Fundación.