On 9 September, the Mothers’ Union Support Fund for Children with Cancer opened the doors to the new Family Home with a cosy circle of friends and supporters. This 2,000 sq. m building was created by the Cancer Support Fund to house families of children affected by cancer. A day centre will also provide rehabilitation, psychology, and other services for disabled children in the country. The families will be provided with these services free of charge.
Due to the problems caused by disease, a stressful emotional load and lack of time, the relatives of patients usually close themselves up in a ‘bubble of pain’. Communicating with other families with similar experiences can help to overcome feelings exclusion and make everyday life easier. Sharing experiences and personal support gives families the opportunity to feel part of their society.
The Family Home features:
• 11 mini apartments measuring 42 sq. m (each apartment consists of a kitchenette, bedroom, bathroom and wardrobe);
• Guest areas;
• Paediatricians, pain specialists, psychologists and clergy who will provide additional help;
• Palliative care (‘butterfly’) wards for children who can’t be treated medically;
• Rehabilitation centre, gym, and swimming pool;
• Art therapy spaces, playroom, playground, and leisure areas;
• Laundry;
• Conservatory;
• Terrace;
• Production facilities;
• Information centre that will give parents the opportunity to learn about their child’s disease, the course of treatment and opportunities for treatment abroad.
About the project:
Location: near Santariškės Children’s Hospital, Vilnius District Municipality, Riešė Eldership, Vanaginė Village.
Size of the plot of land – 1 ha; Size of the house – 2,000 sq. m.
“There are no words to express my gratitude to everyone who has contributed to making the idea that children with cancer should be treated the same way they are helped abroad – in a family home – a reality. Many years ago, the people hearing about our intentions would think it was a crazy notion and say that it was impossible,” E. Mėlinauskienė said, visibly emotional during the opening ceremony.
According to her, the construction of the centre for families of children with cancer was inspired by the experiences of families and children, and the foundation has been part of the project since day one. A special impetus was given to the project by five-year-old Lukas, who was ill many years ago, and his family.
Family Home Near Santara Children’s Hospital
The Family Home is located near Santara Children’s Hospital, so that children from all over Lithuania who come here can be surrounded by loved ones during their treatment. The home was sanctified by the priest Vytautas Rapalis, who attended the ceremony of hope capsule burial at the beginning of the construction four years ago.
The Mothers’ Union launched the construction of the family home in 2016. Later, the Conresta began building a 2,000 sq. m centre with comfortable apartments on the 1-hectare plot.
The home already has a garden and flower beds. Over the past four years, the funds needed for the project – €2.5 million – were donated by Lithuanian people, companies and foundations operating abroad. The Family Home project is supported exclusively by private funds.
It is one of the noblest projects to which we had the opportunity to contribute free of charge. We are happy to have had the opportunity to help those who need it the most. We extend a big THANK YOU to our partners, who also contributed to this initiative and it is owing to them that the Family Home reached the finish line. The contribution of each partner has been extremely significant, and we appreciate this effort. THANK YOU to: UP ARCHITEKTAI, POLIPROJEKTAS, SALDA, KERAPLAST, BIODEGRA, EUROSTANDARTAS, ALIUMINIO KONTRUKCIJOS, INTERRESTA, AVINIDA, WODLUX, ALUMIG, VILNIAUS RENTINYS, EKSIKA, GEVALDA, FEGDA, ALDEVA, TVORŲ MEISTRAS, RELJEF, LAISTYMAS.LT, LEVORIŠKIS, LAUDO, CRAMO, VELANSTA, OGRINDA, RUUKKI, VAINETA, GOTAS, LED SPRENDIMAI, TARKETT, HORMANN, VAUKSA, KNAUF, INFRASTRUKTŪROS INŽINERIJA, LEGATOR, SAINT-GOBAIN, SCHOMBURG BALTIC, ARGILLA, IMEKA, ADAPDAILA, STIKLITA, BALTIJOS POLISTIRENAS, TOI TOI, EKSKOMISARAI, LEGALIT, PROJEKTŲ SRAUTAS, OPTIKA IR TECHNOLOGIJA, VIACON BALTIC, HILTUS, VĖSA IR PARTNERIAI, ENGINEERING SYSTEM SOLUTIONS.