CCI Ukraine statement

Dear Friends,

Childhood Cancer International, as the global patient support organization for childhood cancer, is deeply saddened and worried with what is happening in Ukraine.

We hear from our local members that children from the Paediatric Oncology wards are in the basement of hospitals or underground shelters, and therefore not receiving the proper care.

We also hear that the health professionals are doing their utmost to ensure that these children will continue receiving the best possible treatment in such a difficult situation. Last

but not the least, we hear from our member organisation in bordering countries that food and medical supplies are being gathered, and that hospitals are willing to receive these children.

Having a child or adolescent diagnosed with cancer is a traumatic experience for every family, requiring an enormous inner strength from parents, siblings, or close relatives. We cannot accept that on top of this, children and their families must face another stressful situation,

with an unpredictable outcome. We must call for the special protection of this vulnerable community.

CCI-Europe is currently working with our closest partners – namely SIOP Europe – to identify ways of helping these children. We cannot eliminate the impact of this war, but we will try our best to alleviate the suffering of those affected. We are a family. We share, we care.

Childhood Cancer International represents 186 organizations in 95 countries, across 5 continents. I am sure that at this very moment each member of our extended community has the Ukrainian children in their hearts and prayers.

Please stay strong.

Thank you,

João de Bragança,

President, Childhood Cancer International

On behalf of our community