Every year, approximately 350 children in Serbia get diagnosed with cancer. Out of the 350 children, significant number of children come from smaller towns and villages, and are required to access medical treatment in Belgrade, capital of Serbia.
Having to move to Belgrade for the duration of the treatment, most families encounter substantial challenges when it comes to securing appropriate accommodation. Escalating property prices have exacerbated the situation, making renting an apartment nearly insurmountable. Moreover, the income disparities between the capital and the outskirts of Serbia further complicate matters, making it impossible for families to afford accommodation near the Institute for Oncology and Radiology where the treatment is provided.
This financial strain can result in families not having the means to support their children in undergoing essential treatment, hence contributing to higher rates of treatment abandonment.
For the past three decades, the Association “Always with The Children” has been dedicated to offering support to young people grappling with malignant diseases. Recognizing this pressing need, the Association “Always with The Children” introduced the “Parents Corner” project in 2018 to provide suitable and free of cost accommodation for families in need.
One of our plans for the future is to buy an apartment that would be located near the Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia. To fulfill our goal, we organize events in order to raise funds for the project.
While we work on the mission, we rented an apartment at Smiljanićeva 6/1/5. The apartment 104 m2 large and it is 10minute walk away from the Institute. Children and parents can use this apartment free of charge for the duration of the treatment, and they can also access psychological support. Experience from other countries shows that having access to free accommodation greatly contributes to lower numbers of treatment abandonment, hence contributing to number of children who can undergo the required treatment.
Application form for the Parent’s corner can be found here. Please fill it in and send it to our email address at office@sadecom.org.rs. You can also see our permission for accessing Parent’s Corner, as well as our Service Contract.