Thanks to your compassion and continued support, the first five months of 2025 have brought life-saving care to children from the CIS region who have to overcome treatments for cancer and severe blood disorders.
From January to June, Gift of Life supported 10 children with urgently needed treatments. We approved 34 applications for the medical needs of our patients and educational programme expenses, and invested over £308,961 in helping children beat cancer. This funding primarily went towards advanced chemotherapy, antiviral therapies, bone marrow transplant search and activation, post-transplant supportive treatments and other rare and expensive medications that are unavailable or inaccessible in local hospitals.
Thanks to your donations, the charity funded vital medicines such as:
- 290 vials of Defitelio, used to prevent liver failure after bone marrow transplants
- 50 vials of Foscavir, used to treat life-threatening viral infections
- 12 vials of Xaluprine, an essential oral chemotherapy for young children
- 10 vials of Cidofovir, a crucial antiviral medication
- 10 packs of Mercaptopurine, an essential oral chemotherapy drug used in maintenance therapy for leukaemia
- 6 vials of Dificlir, an advanced antibiotic used to treat severe infections in immunocompromised children
- 4 packs of Augtyro, a targeted therapy used in the treatment of resistant or relapsed cancer types
Each donation helped deliver this urgent support when and where it was needed most. And behind each number is a child whose life has been touched by your kindness and compassion. Meet Daniil, Angelina, Larisa and Roman, whose stories this year show just how powerful your generosity can be in moments that matter most.
Daniil, 14 years old
Daniil was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in September 2023. After months of intensive treatment, including chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant, and CAR-T cell therapy, he faced severe complications including a life-threatening viral infection.
Throughout the year, Gift of Life supplied several essential medications for Daniil, including Defitelio – a life-saving drug used to treat veno-occlusive disease and support liver functions, as well as Foscavir, a critical antiviral treatment. In March, the charity funded 50 vials of Foscavir, totalling £11,347, ensuring Daniil received the urgent care he needed during one of the most critical stages of his recovery. He continues his treatment in hospital under close medical care.
Angelina, 3 years old
Angelina was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in April 2024, following several months of symptoms and thorough diagnostic testing. Her treatment began immediately under the ALL-MB 2015 protocol and has included multiple stages of chemotherapy.
In January 2025, thanks to your support, Gift of Life funded 10 packs of Mercaptopurine worth £893 to support Angelina’s ongoing therapy. She remains under hospital care, undergoing regular evaluations and continuing her treatment, including the medication provided by Gift of Life.
Larisa, 18 months old
Diagnosed with a congenital immunodeficiency shortly after birth, Larisa has been under Gift of Life’s care for over a year. In 2024, the charity funded critical post-transplant medications including Defitelio and Foscavir, helping her recover from complications after a bone marrow transplant. In February 2025, Gift of Life covered the cost of the antibiotic Dificlir (£3,134) to treat a persistent C. difficile infection – a serious complication in children with weakened immunity.
Despite severe post-transplant complications, Larisa and her Mum face each day together, continuing their fight against this serious condition with the help of ongoing treatment. She remains in hospital under close observation, receiving complex therapy to manage infections and support blood cell production. Your support ensures she continues to receive the essential care she urgently needs.
Roman, 10 years old
Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in mid-2024, Roman began an intensive treatment journey that included two rounds of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant from his mother in December. Post-transplant, Roman experienced serious complications including a severe bacterial infection.
To support his recovery, Gift of Life funded 4 vials of the antibiotic Dificlir in February 2025, at a cost of £6,143. The medication helped manage post-transplant intestinal complications and contributed to his ongoing recovery. Roman remains in hospital under close medical supervision.
These children are just a few of the young lives you’ve helped this year. Their journeys are a powerful reminder of the difference your support makes, not only in urgent moments, but throughout long and complex treatments. From essential medications to ongoing care, every donation becomes part of a life-saving story.
Alongside direct medical aid, Gift of Life continued investing in the future of paediatric cancer care. With the donors’ support, 37 paediatric cancer specialists and scientists took part in our educational programme, gaining access to global expertise, conferences, and the latest research on childhood cancer.
By supporting the professional development of medical specialists, Gift of Life helps ensure better outcomes for young patients both now and in the future. In early 2025, several professionals attended major international medical conferences with the charity’s support, including the 51st Annual Meeting of the EBMT, a leading European congress advancing research and education in bone marrow transplantation, and SIOP Asia 2025, a key congress focused on paediatric oncology. These events provided valuable access to cutting-edge research, expert insights, and global best practices in treating rare childhood cancers.
Among them were Dr Grigory Tsaur, Head of Molecular Biology at Sverdlovsk Regional Children’s Hospital, and Dr Maria Skvortsova, a Paediatric Oncologist at the Dmitry Rogachev Centre. As Dr Skvortsova shared, participation in such international events is “a powerful experience that drives us forward and inspires us to do even more.”
Dr Tsaur emphasised that hearing reports from leading experts in the field of bone marrow and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and exchanging insights with international colleagues on advancements in modern cell technologies, helps him and his team at every stage of the transplantation process. Thanks to your support, these dedicated professionals return better equipped to provide advanced care and hope to the children who need it most.
Fourteen Years of Saving Young Lives
Since its founding in the UK in 2011, Gift of Life has provided essential support to more than 630 children and young people diagnosed with cancer and other serious health conditions. Thanks to the dedication and generosity of our supporters, the charity has invested over £10,000,000 in programme work covering the cost of life-saving medicines, specialist treatments, and non-medical support.
Over the years, more than 820 applications for urgently needed drugs, therapies, and educational opportunities have been approved. These funds have not only helped children access treatment unavailable in their home countries but also strengthened the skills and knowledge of medical professionals treating them.
To date, Gift of Life has supported more than 130 doctors and cancer specialists through its educational programme, giving them access to leading academic resources and international conferences in the field of paediatric oncology.
Every milestone achieved reflects the care and commitment of our community. Together, we are changing lives and building a future where no child is left without a chance.
Thank you for standing with us, for believing in second chances, and for being a part of the Gift of Life mission!
Your support is making a profound impact, and together, we are saving young lives!