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Is the most frequent type of cancer in Guatemala, children stay with us for 8 years: 3 years of treatment and 5 years of follow-ups. Its cost is $ 60,000.00 per patient. Any donation is very valuable to contribute to the treatment of 1 child.

Each year, retinoblastoma affects 31 Guatemalan preschool-age children who must fight for their lives against eye cancer. This disease begins in the retina, and, in only months it can destroy the eye and affect the brain or the central nervous system. It is the type of cancer that affects the most to Guatemalan children after leukemia and lymphoma.

A timely treatment manages to save 100% of the cases. This treatment includes: chemotherapy, cryotherapy, laser photocoagulation, radiation therapy and, if necessary, removal of the affected eye (enucleation). 93% of those affected are children under 5 years old; without proper medical care, they can lose one or both eyes and die. This year we expect to receive 33 new cases.

Retinoblastoma's treatment is US$8,000 per child; this provides an adequate and complete treatment.

75% of children cared at UNOP (National Pediatric Center) / AYUVI come from rural areas and the majority of them live in extreme poverty; 30% suffer from malnutrition at the time they are diagnosed. They are children who need the best medical attention to face their treatment.

Babies, children and adolescents who fight daily against cancer, receive more than 1,000 punctures during a year of treatment (which can last up to three years) to take blood samples, administer chemotherapy, to cannulate, medicate, have blood transfusions, among others. We are all aware of the suffering caused by the punctures, which also affect their parents, who are already under pressure due to the illness of their children.

We seek to reduce the pain and the suffering caused by these punctures to achieve venous access by placing subcutaneous catheters in each of them. Our patients spend long days of hospitalization and intravenous chemotherapies. We want the cancer treatments to be less traumatic, and the use of subcutaneous catheter can help do this.

Subcutaneous catheters are utilized in standard ways in the United States and other developed countries. They serve as a tool to help decrease the physical suffering and the stress that the punctures can cause as well, as minimize infection risks.

Our goals are:

• To reduce the pain caused by the several punctures that our patients may receive.
• To minimize infection risks.
• To make laboratory tests more efficient.
• To improve the quality of medical attention.
• To reduce clinical complications.
• To have early detections of vascular infections.

At UNOP/AYUVI, we are known for being the only specialized center for pediatric cancer treatment in Guatemala, at no cost. We aim to care for all babies, children, and adolescents diagnosed with cancer. More than 500 children have benefited from the placement of a catheter, reducing their pain from the punctures that they must endure during their cancer treatment.

There are two different types of catheters that are used:

• Porth-a-Cath: These are placed under the skin and can be used up to four years.
• PICC Line: These are placed on the skin and are for temporary use, within the hospital.

To ensure more children can continue to benefit from the use of a catheter therefore, avoiding this much suffering, we need your support. Around 500 children are diagnosed with cancer each year.

The cost per catheter per patient is US$825, and US$90 for maintenance (monthly).

Your much appreciated donation will help us provide quality care for our young cancer patients on a daily basis.

At AYUVI-Hogar Estuardo Mini, Hospice, we provide support to all patients and their families who are terminal, whose objective is to live the here and now, preparing them for their final step.

Provide this patients Peaceful Nights and days, of remembrance, prayer, and care of their needs, making the last memories of a holistic existence remain in the memory of their loved ones. Peaceful Nights are for our children and their parents, grandparents, siblings, and/or a close relative the child needs, providing them days and nights of refuge, food, medical, spiritual, psychological, and financial care, as well as emotional peace.

Peaceful Nights offer our little ones the opportunity to transcend in a different way, without pain in their body, with love in their heart and peace in their soul.

Butterflies are symbol of immortality, rebirth and resurrection. The soul flies free and find happiness leaving behind their suffering and their body.

Your donation can make a difference to continue Saving Lives of children with cancer.

It is a voluntary support, made through a monthly contribution (regular and continuous) to ensure the purchase of medicines for the treatment of our patients.

The amount suggested to become an Amigo of Hope is US$20. However, each contribution is valuable to fight against this terrible disease. Besides of being a social aid, Amigos of Hope become allies, since they can refer more Amigos and/or companies that are interested in supporting the project.

Promote Social Responsibility of your company and employees. For every US$20 that your employees contribute monthly, they become Corporate Amigos of Hope, which provides life expectancy to children with cancer in Guatemala!