YOUR COMPASSION SAVED LIVES IN 2024
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with the Gift of Life Foundation and the brave children facing their toughest battle: cancer.
In 2024, your generosity and steadfast support helped us invest over £759,496 in our medical programmes dedicated to beating childhood cancer and improving survival rates. Because of you, 60 children and young people received life-saving treatments, including bone marrow transplants and advanced medications not available in the CIS region – essential for fighting certain cancers and blood disorders.
You are the heart of this impact!
We can’t wait to share inspiring stories of the young heroes you’ve helped this year.
Kirill, 2 years old
For the past year, Kirill has bravely battled acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, the most common childhood cancer. Unfortunately, Kirill experienced a severe allergic reaction to the widely used chemotherapy drug Asparaginase and urgently needed a purer form of the drug, a German-made Spectrila, unavailable locally. With Gift of Life’s funding Kirill received an 18-vial course of Spectrila at a cost of £12,533. As a result of this treatment, Kirill’s condition has improved considerably. Kirill has been recently discharged from the hospital but continues with supportive therapy to solidify his progress.
Vasilisa, 16 months old 
Little Vasilisa was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in June. Her condition required timely treatment with Xaluprine, a liquid form of the chemotherapy drug Mercaptopurine allowing for precise dosing, crucial for babies. Sadly, Xaluprine is unavailable locally and Gift of Life procured it from Germany, covering the £2,153 cost of a 4-vial course. Vasilisa is now continuing her therapy, spending her days at the hospital playing with soft toys and engaging in early learning games.
Islam, 12 years old
Islam initially underwent treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2022. He experienced a relapse half a year ago, requiring chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. One of the prescribed drugs for Islam was Mitoxantrone which significantly improves survival rates for children with relapsed leukaemia. Gift of Life was able to pay for a 100-vial course of this medication, costing £20,058, and supported Islam’s treatment. Currently, Islam is receiving all necessary medications to alleviate common post-transplant side effects.
Michael, 18 months old
Michael has been battling acute lymphoblastic leukaemia since April. As part of his bone marrow transplant preparation, Michael had a course of the antibacterial medication Dificlir to treat a serious gut infection. This drug is not readily available locally and was sourced from abroad by Gift of Life at a total cost of £3,210 for two vials. Three months post-transplant, Michael is feeling much better and continues with supportive therapy and medical monitoring.
Through your kindness and compassion, Gift of Life provides children with life-changing medications – offering not just treatment, but a chance for a healthy future filled with hope and opportunity.
In 2024
A total of £759,496 was dedicated to purchasing critical medications and funding life-saving treatments. This support reached 60 young patients diagnosed with cancer and serious blood disorders.
£712,199 was paid for life-saving medications unavailable locally including:
| 970 | vials | Defitelio |
| 944 | vials | Mesna |
| 500 | vials | Cellcristin |
| 220 | vials | Foscavir |
| 132 | vials | Spectrila |
| 100 | vials | Mitoxantrone |
| 90 | vials | Desferal |
| 80 | vials | L-Thyroxin |
| 30 | vials | Noxafil |
| 22 | vials | Xaluprine |
| 20 | vials | Eto-GRY |
| 10 | vials | Fasturtec |
| 6 | vials | Cidofovir |
| 4 | packs | Probenecid |
| 2 | vials | Dificlir |
£22,951 was allocated for a bone marrow transplantation procedure for one critically ill patient.
£24,345 was invested in professional development, training and education programmes for local oncologists, physicians, and scientists specialising in paediatric cancer.
Thirteen years of saving young lives
Since 2011, your impact has helped Gift of Life to achieve some outstanding results in paediatric cancer care and support.
Over £9,741,700 has been invested in the Gift of Life medical programmes.
614 critically ill patients have received essential medications and advanced treatments, offering renewed hope.
109 paediatric physicians and oncologists have been empowered through our educational programmes, advancing medical expertise.
782 applications for vital medicines and critical treatments have been supported, ensuring no patient is left behind.
Your unwavering support of Gift of Life helps us save children’s lives. Consider monthly giving to make an even greater impact!