Celebrating International Week for Children with Leukemia with 25 Children from 25 Countries!

Every year, over 1 million children worldwide are diagnosed with leukemia, with 1 child getting cancer every 3 minutes.

We have taken a leading role in the prevention and treatment of childhood leukemia globally, envisioning a world without leukemia. We embark on a journey to bring together these children who fight for survival without knowing each other, speaking different languages but sharing the same fate through the "International Week for Children with Leukemia”


In this context, the International Week for Children with Leukemia is held in the last week of May each year, hosted by Turkey and led by LÖSEV, with significant participation. Children and families from around the world, who come to this major event, become guests of LÖSEV and come together throughout the week in planned activities.

We will invite 25 Children with Leukemia aged 6-16 from 25 countries with suitable health conditions. The aim is to unite them with our 25 Children with Leukemia registered in our foundation, providing an opportunity for bonding through a week of activities, sharing experiences related to the disease, and establishing a friendship beyond borders.

While participating in events held in Turkey, the participants have the opportunity to get to know the history and natural beauties of our country closely. Throughout the week, through activities and experience-sharing sessions, both children and mothers lay the foundation for strong solidarity.

The International Children with Leukemia's Week, sponsored entirely by institutions and organizations supporting us with a sense of "Social Responsibility," will bring us closer to our ultimate goal of increasing the success rate in leukemia treatment to 100% and providing our children with the healthy and happy future they deserve.

    • Project Name: Celebrating International Week for Children with Leukemia with 25 Children from 25 Countries!

    • Project Dates: May 27 - June 3, 2024

    • Project Location: Ankara – İstanbul

    • Number of Participants: 80 (25 children + 25 mothers + 15 LÖSANTE/LSV School children + 15 staff)

    • Target Audience: Children with Leukemia, accompanying family member (1 person)

    • Project Contact Person: Şebnem Belfin Utkan - sebnembelfin@losev.org.tr / international@losev.org.tr

  • Short-term objectives of the project;

    • Raise awareness about the rapidly increasing incidence of leukemia worldwide, drawing attention to it in our country and globally.

    • Warn against cancer-causing agents, raise awareness for the prevention of leukemia, and emphasize the support of medical personnel for these goals.

    • Foster bonding and communication among Children with Leukemia from different countries.

    Long-term objectives of the project;

    • Establish communication with leukemia and cancer-related foundations abroad through children, introducing LÖSEV and Turkey.

    • Promote the International Week for Children with Leukemia activities initiated by LÖSEV, ensure its official acceptance by all countries, and maintain leadership if accepted, establishing it globally.

    • Enable the numerous Children with Leukemia visiting our country to become cultural, health, and tourism ambassadors in their countries' national media.

    • Establish the name of LÖSEV as a respected brand in childhood cancer.

    • Promote advanced health services and centers in Turkey for the treatment of childhood cancer diseases, encourage patients from foreign countries, and thereby develop medical tourism.

  • Template Travel Program / Ankara – İstanbul

    • May 27: Arrival to Ankara and rest

    • May 28: Visit to LÖSANTE Hospital and Children with Leukemia's Village, Welcome Night (participation with local costumes + small performances with pearls)

    • May 29: Visit to Anıtkabir, castle tour, Rahmi Koç Toy Museum, dinner outside

    • May 30: Flight from Ankara to Istanbul / Rest at the hotel

    • May 31: Dolmabahçe Palace, Galata Tower, Bosphorus Tour and dinner June 1: Visit to Miniaturk or Kidsland Park

    • June 2: Participation in the Grand LÖSEV Istanbul Festival

    • June 3: Return

    • Nutrition: Considering the health conditions of the participants, a weekly menu will be created by our hospital's dietitians, and meals and restaurants will be determined based on this menu throughout the week.

    • Environment and Hygiene: Hygiene conditions will be strictly observed for the health and comfort of Children with Leukemia. Protection from carcinogenic substances and factors will be ensured.

    • Transportation: The transportation expenses of the participants from their countries to Turkey and back will be covered by themselves (LÖSEV can cover the expenses of a limited number of participants in cases where they cannot cover their transportation expenses). The trips during the week will be made with first-class air-conditioned buses.

    • Health: Throughout the week, a pediatrician or pediatric hematologist and a nurse will accompany Children with Leukemia with a fully equipped ambulance. Necessary health checks and treatments will be provided free of charge at LÖSANTE.

    • Personnel: The project team, consisting of experienced employees of LÖSEV and hundreds of volunteers, is coordinated by the International Relations Department.

  • 1) Children participating in the week should be between 6-16 years old, at the final stage of his/her treatment or has completed the treatment for childhood leukemia in last 2-3 years. They should not have aplastic anemia, Fanconi anemia, and/or Down syndrome.

    2) Confirmation of definite approval for participation from countries until end of March 2024, is crucial.

    3) The participation of individuals (including our patients) must be finalized by March 22.

    4) Children with Leukemia whose participation is confirmed must submit:

    • "Hospital board report" indicating their illness (or a signed informative letter from a hematologist-oncologist stating their name, address, and email address),

    • Approved/photo identification,

    • Student certificate sample,

    • A copy of treatment protocols,

    • Health reports (hematology or oncology specialist) from the hospitals or doctors stating that the child's illness does not hinder travel by April 5.

    5) Each country will be represented by 1 person (1 mother/1 child). Children aged 6-10 can participate with their companions. Children aged 11-16 can participate without a companion.

    6) If a companion attends, the participation of mothers as companions is expected. Companions must submit:

    • Photocopy of identification

    • Document proving


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