Global Solidarity and Hope

As the International Week for Children with Leukemia approaches, excitement is growing among children fighting leukemia and cancer, as well as throughout LÖSEV. This year marks the 25th edition of this meaningful initiative, where children from different countries will gather in Türkiye, bringing renewed attention to recovery stories and international solidarity.

What Is the International Week for Children with Leukemia?

A Global Movement of Solidarity and Hope for Children with Leukemia: The International Week for Children with Leukemia is an international social responsibility initiative led by LÖSEV to support children fighting leukemia and cancer, raise public awareness, and strengthen solidarity across borders.

First launched in 2001, this important week has grown into a strong platform that brings together children, families and volunteers from different countries through healing, friendship and shared purpose.

This week is not only an awareness campaign. It also represents a holistic approach that addresses the medical, social, psychological and humanitarian dimensions of childhood cancer. Its goal is to support children in returning to life with renewed confidence after treatment, help them feel they are not alone, and build a shared global understanding.

A Growing Story of Recovery Through International Participation

The International Week for Children with Leukemia follows a rotating model of engagement each year. One year, children who have recovered from leukemia and their families from different countries are hosted in Türkiye. The following year, children who have recovered through LÖSEV travel abroad to represent this meaningful week in other countries.

Through these reciprocal visits, children not only discover new cultures, but also build bonds with peers who have gone through similar experiences. This shared connection helps strengthen confidence, resilience and hope.

Over the years, events have been organized in many countries including Russia, Bulgaria, Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, the United States, Hungary and Croatia. International art exhibitions, cultural visits and awareness activities have reached broad audiences.

These journeys strengthen children’s connection with the world while carrying their hopes beyond borders.

From the United States to the United Kingdom, and from Germany to Austria, you can watch our video to explore these meaningful journeys and the inspiring stories of our children.

In recent years, simultaneous events held in multiple countries have further expanded the global impact of this initiative and highlighted the importance of international cooperation in the fight against cancer.

The most powerful aspect of these journeys is that each one reflects a real story of recovery.

Children who overcame leukemia are now stepping not only back into life, but also into the world. You can watch the inspiring journey of Esila, one of our young heroes travelling abroad for the first time.

25th International Week for Children with Leukemia: 11–17 May 2026

The 25th International Week for Children with Leukemia will take place between 11–17 May 2026 in Istanbul and Bursa, Türkiye. Children who have recovered from leukemia and their mothers from different countries will be welcomed for a memorable week of healing, friendship and cultural exchange.

The week-long programme will include:

Cultural and historical visits
Educational and creative workshops
Social inclusion and interaction activities
International spaces for experience sharing

The historical and cultural richness of Istanbul, together with the peaceful natural atmosphere of Bursa, will allow children both to explore and to celebrate their recovery journeys.

Through these activities, children not only enjoy meaningful experiences, but also gain psychosocial strength and renewed self-confidence after treatment.

The International Week for Children with Leukemia is more than an event. It is a powerful platform where children from different countries come together to share hope and solidarity.

You can watch the joy of past gatherings across Türkiye, where children who overcame leukemia came together in celebration and international unity.

Together for Awareness, Trust and the Future

The International Week for Children with Leukemia aims to raise awareness of childhood cancers, highlight the importance of early diagnosis, and strengthen a culture of solidarity throughout society. It also invites individuals, institutions and volunteers to become part of this movement of hope.

Led by LÖSEV, this long-standing initiative has built a trusted platform through growing participation, international partnerships and measurable impact over the years.

By reaching more children every year and bringing more lives together with healing, this initiative helps all of us look to the future with hope.

Because we know that where there is hope, healing follows.

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