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Grant Application Project Fair Rotary International Executive Summary 1 Background Cancer is a complex disease. It is awfully difficult to face the fact that someone close has been diagnosed with cancer; even more so when that someone is a child or a teenager. Owing to medical breakthroughs, cancer is no longer thought of as a synonym for death - today, 8 out of 10 early diagnosed and properly treated children may survive! The idea of brightening children’s lives with hope drove a group of Guatemalans to take on the challenge of launching the “Saving Children with Cancer” project through Fundación Ayúdame a Vivir in Guatemala back in 1997. Three years later, the first goal was reached when UNOP- Unidad Nacional de Oncología Pediátrica (National Pediatric Oncology Unit) opened its doors as the only multidisciplinary center specialized in the diagnostic and treatment of pediatric cancer in Guatemala. Since it was established Fundación Ayúdame a Vivir has managed to raise the necessary funds to provide the resources needed for the operation, maintenance and growth of the Unidad Nacional de Oncología Pediátrica (National Pediatric Oncology Unit) - UNOP -. Partners The professionalism, confidence, and credibility of the project “Salvando niños con cancer”, promoted by the Fundación Ayúdame a Vivir, has enabled a partnership with private companies, groups, associations, sponsors, volunteers and internationally recognized medical institutions. The support we receive maintains UNOP and allows for a high standard, integral treatment of all patients and their families. In addition, the solidarity, enthusiasm, and support Guatemalans provide to children with cancer via the UNETE campaign (private sector-sponsored lottery) is vital to the functioning of the center. Pediatric Cancer in Guatemala Most adult cancers are considered preventable because they can be associated with lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet and exposure to other cancer-causing agents. At the moment, however, pediatric cancer is not preventable, only treatable. Unfortunately, while UNOP offers quality treatment and an encouraging prognosis, it cannot, presently, benefit all Guatemalan children. Nevertheless we face an unfortunate statistic: UNOP only treats 44% of the affected population. This means that, despite being committed to curing all children, regardless of religious background, political affiliation, ethnicity or economic capability, 56% of children afflicted with cancer in Guatemala receive no treatment at all. Similar Programs/ Agencies The partnership between Fundación Ayúdame a Vivir, the organizational and fundraising entity, and UNOP, the executive entity of the project “Saving children with cancer”, is one of a kind in Guatemala. UNOP is the only specialized pediatric cancer center in the entire country. As such, it is the only source of high quality, specialized treatment available to the entire 0-18 pediatric cancer population. Staff Qualifications Both UNOP and Fundación Ayúdame a Vivir boast highly qualified staff – specially trained doctors, nurses, psychologists, volunteers etc. at UNOP and directors, coordinators and fundraisers at the foundation – that guarantees efficient operation of the project “Saving children with cancer”. Additionally, both UNOP and the foundation have a respective Board of Directors that ensures the optimal functioning of both entities. Achievements: 1. Over the past nine years, UNOP has treated more than 3,500 children. 2. Survival rates for certain types of cancer have risen at UNOP from 28% in 2000 to 80% in certain types of cancer in 2013. 3. Treatment abandonment rates have decreased dramatically, from 42% in 1997 to 2% in 2013. 4. More than 1,600 children have finished treatment and are considered “cancer free” 5. Establishment of support programs for patients and their families: a. Child Life Program b. Palliative care c. Psychological support programs d. Shelter for patients and their families 6. The creation of a graduate pediatric oncology program, credited by the University Francisco Marroquín (Guatemala) and the St. Jude Children’s Research Program. 7. Orientation and support is offered to an average of 35 new families monthly in order to foster treatment completion. 8. A nutritional recovery program that covers 90% of our patients has been implemented. 9. In November 2009, the Infrastructure Expansion Project that started in June 2007 came to an end at a cost of $ 3.7 MM (Without equipment) 2 The expansion project has added 4,895 m2 to the hospital area, solving two of the main problems UNOP faced: The overflow of all hospital areas due to increasing demand of services. The inadequate size of the outpatient area and clinics ( more than 120 patients are seen in this area on a daily basis) This expansion allows a significant improvement in the quality of treatment and attention given to our patients and their families. Challenges: Despite encouraging results in past years, we still face important challenges: 1. We are committed to increasing coverage (currently only 44% of the affected population receives treatment) 2. Improving healing rates. 3. Abolishing treatment abandonment. 4. Promote an educational program that will facilitate early diagnosis of pediatric cancer. 5. Equipment the facilities and support with medications DESCRIPTION QUANTITY Non-invasive Cardiac Monitor 3 Vital Signs Monitor With BIS 3 Portable Monitor for taking vital sings 2 Syringe Perfusor 16 Continuous Infusión Pumps 23 Mechanical Ventilator with capnograph 2 Cardioverter 1 Each patient depending on their protocol require a minimum of 30 chemotherapies which have a cost of US$ 641.02 each. 30 UNIT PRICE $ 5,769.23 $ 23,717.94 $ 5,769.23 $ 1,858.97 $ 1,858.97 $ 23,717.94 $ 12,179.48 $ 641.02 TOTAL PRICE US$ 17,307.69 $ 71,153.82 $ 11,538.46 $ 29,743.52 $ 42,756.31 $ 47,435.88 $ 12,179.48 $ 19,230.60 3 UNOP Hospital by 2007 UNOP’s Hospital today 4 Unop Facilities 2007 5 Actual entrance Volunteer’s corner 6 Former chemotherapy area 7 Reception and waiting areas Pediatric rooms 8 9 Bedrest area and patient’s rooms 10 Former play area Music room 11