What We Do

Successful treatment in Ireland ensures new lease of life for Anya.

"It seemed that nobody wanted to take her when they knew her condition, but it is a miracle that she is alive today"
(Vikka Deripapa, mother of Anya)

In 1998 Anya Deripapa from the Ukraine was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), the most toxic form of leukaemia. Unable to secure the treatment required in her own country, Anya's parents made a desperate international plea for help in an attempt to save the two year old's life. The call was taken up by the Chernobyl Children's Project International who arranged for life-saving treatment at National Children's Hospital in Dublin.

"We decided when we received the call that Anya would have to be brought to Ireland if she was to survive. The unconditional offer of help from the National Children's Hospital was crucial in ensuring Anya received the best care possible ", explains Adi Roche.

Arriving in the autumn of 1998 Anya began intensive chemotherapy treatment in Tallaght General Hospital. Following the initial blocks of demanding treatment her serious condition began to improve and she went into remission. In the intervening period Anya has received ongoing care, returning to Ireland periodically for treatment. Thankfully her condition has continued to improve. Today, eight years after she was given little hope of surviving she is a happy and healthy ten year old girl - an outcome which barely seemed possible when she arrived in Ireland seriously ill in 1998. Anya's health will continue to be closely monitored by medical staff in Ireland.