Volunteer Natalia Krivolapova’s journey began 19 years ago when her child was diagnosed with a brain tumor, leading her to the doors of the Kharkiv Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital No. 1. Her son, Bogdan, miraculously recovered despite facing an inoperable tumor with slim chances of survival. Filled with gratitude for her child’s recovery, Natalia has since devoted herself to helping the hospital and its young patients.
The year 2022 posed unprecedented challenges due to the devastating full-scale Russian aggression. The conflict took everyone by surprise, leaving people desperate and uncertain. Despite the chaos, the united efforts of volunteers, doctors, and parents ensured the safety of the children in the hospital. While many of the young patients have moved to safer locations, the hospital continues to serve those in need, treating critical illnesses amidst the ongoing turmoil.
The Breteau Foundation’s unwavering support has been instrumental in sustaining the hospital’s mission. During the height of the invasion, they collaborated with the hospital to evacuate the oncology department, which cared for critically ill children. Recently, the oncology department resumed its operations, providing essential care to the children. However, the hospital’s needs persist, and the support from philanthropists remains vital.
Natalia emphasized that during the full-scale conflict, supporting children with cancer became more challenging due to the economic impact and loss of resources. Nevertheless, The Breteau Foundation, together with the “Global2000 Charity Fund for Children of Ukraine”, has been a reliable partner for eight years, continuously providing crucial aid.
The foundation’s contributions have included providing water filtration systems to ensure clean drinking water for the children. They also donated essential medical equipment, including infusion pumps critical for administering chemotherapy accurately and safely. The partnership has been nothing short of remarkable, as every request made by the hospital has been met with unwavering support from The Breteau Foundation.
Natalia and her colleague, Tetiana Kosolapova, volunteer tirelessly to meet the urgent needs of patients, especially during critical situations. The impact of their collective efforts is evident, as many children who once faced grim prognosis have successfully recovered and gone on to pursue careers in various fields. These young survivors form a supportive community, inspiring current patients with hope and determination.
The dream of these volunteers is to offer the recovered children an opportunity to bond and create lasting memories. They aspire to organize a special overseas trip where these young survivors can share their stories, support each other, and inspire hope in children currently battling illnesses.