Honoree Visit: Courage, Compassion, and Hope in the Fight Against Cancer
“Your child has cancer.” Four terrifying words that can change a family’s life forever. In Mexico, about 5,000 children and their parents receive this news every year. To have a chance at survival, timely detection and treatment is essential. But not every family can afford the expensive, long-term treatment and care that comes with a cancer diagnosis; about 10 percent of pediatric cancer patients in Mexico end up stopping treatment early, mainly because of the cost.
One woman is making sure that every child and their family can fight against cancer, no matter what the cost. 2015 Health Honoree Amalia García Moreno is the founder of Casa de la Amistad, a comfortable and safe home where underprivileged children with cancer can receive treatment. The foundation also serves children who seek treatment at oncology centers in 29 hospitals throughout Mexico.
Last week, a group of supporters – including our Co-Founder Harry Leibowitz and long-time supporter Eva Chayet – visited Casa de la Amistad to tour the facilities and meet children directly impacted by World of Children funding.
“Although every child here has cancer, and every parent watches their child go through the difficult treatments, Casa de la Amistad is filled with love, with smiles, with hope,” Harry said. “Every detail is planned and programmed to make the stay here as warm and inviting as it can be and the entire staff is trained to be pleasant no matter the pain or trauma the child may be experiencing. This should be a model for pediatric cancer care globally.”
“The smiles of the children at Casa de la Amistad are forever embedded in my heart,” Eva added. “A visit to Casa de la Amistad awakens the love and compassion within us.”
We hope you enjoy these photos from their trip. Thank you to the entire team at Casa de la Amistad for a meaningful and inspirational visit!
