LÖSEV – The Name of Hope in the Fight Against Leukemia and Cancer

LÖSEV Was Founded: One Table, One Chair — and a Dream that Touched 80 Million Hearts

Hospital corridors are often cold and dim. This one was no different. Six children lay in a single ward—alone. Their mothers were not allowed to stay with them. Blood and platelets, the most essential elements of treatment, were nowhere to be found.

Out of every 100 children, 54 had to abandon treatment due to poverty, and the success rate barely reached 20 percent. Amid these desperate conditions, Dr. Üstün Ezer, a young physician in that hospital, refused to accept the words he kept hearing: “They will die anyway. Why try so hard?” Instead, he stood up and said: “We cannot abandon children with leukemia to die.”

Together with three fellow doctors and two fathers of children with leukemia, he turned this conviction into action.
On November 8, 1998, they laid the foundation of LÖSEV — the Foundation for Children with Leukemia.

That single step—born of compassion, courage, and determination—sparked a movement that continues to grow.

What began with one table and one chair has become a nationwide struggle built on Love, Kindness, and Hope — a story that keeps giving life.

Hope Opens Its Doors: LÖSANTE Comes to Life

In 2000, LÖSEV dreamed of creating a hospital where children with leukemia could receive treatment in the best possible conditions.

With the support of the President of Türkiye at the time, Süleyman Demirel, that dream became reality.

On September 24, 2000, LÖSANTE Hospital for Children with Leukemia opened its doors — becoming Türkiye’s first and only Pediatric Oncology Hospital.

LÖSANTE was more than a hospital; it was a symbol of hope, equality, and compassion, a place where every child could receive care, regardless of financial means. From that day forward, LÖSANTE has stood as a cornerstone of LÖSEV’s mission —a place where science meets kindness, and every door opens to life, healing, and hope.

Empowering Mothers with LÖSEV

As children with leukemia continued their long and difficult treatments, their mothers faced not only physical and emotional exhaustion but also the burden of social exclusion. To bring relief and meaning to their days, LÖSEV introduced occupational therapy workshops — a simple yet transformative idea.

While waiting in hospital corridors, mothers were given a pair of knitting needles and some yarn to pass the time. What began as a small activity soon became a form of emotional therapy, allowing mothers to express their anger, sadness, and hope through creativity. Their hands, once trembling with fear, began to produce beautiful handmade toys and crafts — each piece a reflection of strength and love.

What started as a small project grew into a remarkable success. The Mothers’ Handicraft Workshops evolved into LSV Dükkan, an international social enterprise model that became the first of its kind in the world. Through this initiative, mothers not only gained skills and livelihoods, but also rediscovered their confidence, dignity, and the power to rebuild their lives.

The Birth of Leukemia Awareness Week in Türkiye

To stand beside children fighting leukemia and to make their voices heard, LÖSEV dedicated a special week to the entire nation — Leukemia Awareness Week. Celebrated every year between November 2–8, this week has grown into a nationwide movement of awareness and solidarity. With orange as its symbolic color, Türkiye is painted in orange every year to raise awareness of leukemia and remind everyone that hope is stronger than illness.

Through a protocol signed with the Ministry of National Education, Leukemia Awareness Week was officially included in the list of “Special Weeks and Days” within the national school curriculum. This milestone helped spread leukemia awareness among children and youth, ensuring that knowledge, empathy, and hope are passed on to future generations.

The Foundation of the School for Children with Leukemia

Believing that “a future without education is no future at all,” LÖSEV opened the School for Children with Leukemia on September 24, 2002. With its hygienic classrooms, library, and hobby rooms, this school became a new home for education designed specifically for children battling leukemia.

For many of these children—who faced bullying and isolation because of their hair loss or the masks they were required to wear—this school became a gateway to hope. Here, surrounded by friends who shared similar experiences, they found a safe, understanding, and empowering environment where they could continue their education without trauma and without losing their self-confidence.

The Guesthouse for Children with Leukemia Opens Its Doors

For families who had to travel to Ankara for treatment and had nowhere to stay, LÖSEV opened the Guesthouse for Children with Leukemia — a place offering free accommodation, meals, and social and psychological support.

Serving as an extension of the treatment process, this warm and welcoming home became a second family house for parents who once had to sleep on hospital benches or cardboard floors beside their children.

Establishment of the Private LSV Schools

To ensure that children undergoing long-term leukemia and cancer treatment could continue their education without interruption, LÖSEV established the Private LSV Schools in 2008.

Providing high-quality, tuition-free education at college standards, the LSV Schools offer a safe and nurturing environment where children can learn without fear of stigma or social exclusion — a challenge many face due to hair loss and mask use during treatment.

With a strong academic staff and a modern, child-centered approach, the LSV Schools support both academic success and personal development, helping students grow into confident, compassionate, and socially responsible individuals.

Today, the Private LSV Schools stand as a pioneering model in Türkiye, demonstrating that every child, regardless of their medical condition, has the right to education and a hopeful future.

The Launch of International Week for Children with Leukemia

With the aim of building a global movement of solidarity against leukemia, LÖSEV designated the last week of May as the International Week for Children with Leukemia.

This special week brings together children from all around the world — children who share the same struggle but speak different languages — united under the values of love, hope, and compassion.

Each year, as these children come to Türkiye, they turn the dream of a world without leukemia into a living reality through friendship, awareness, and unity.

A Breath of Fresh Air: The Village for Children with Leukemia

Established on 13,000 square meters of lush green land in Ankara, the Village for Children with Leukemia provides a peaceful, nature-filled home for children and families who must relocate to the capital for leukemia and cancer treatment.

The village offers fully equipped apartments with all necessities — from home appliances to the smallest household items — all provided free of charge by LÖSEV.

Within this unique environment, LÖSEV’s agricultural and livestock teams cultivate natural produce and maintain sustainable farming practices to ensure that children and their families have access to healthy, natural food throughout their stay.
 

Here, every meal, every smile, and every breath of clean air helps children heal and believe in life again.

Brick by Brick, We Built Hope: The LÖSANTE Hospital

Built brick by brick through LÖSEV’s nationwide “Build Hope” campaign, the LÖSANTE Hospital stands today as Europe’s first Oncology City, realized entirely through the collective support and compassion of the people of Türkiye.

As a multidisciplinary medical complex, LÖSANTE integrates cutting-edge technology, advanced diagnostic systems, food analysis laboratories, operating theaters, and cancer research facilities — all under one roof.

At LÖSANTE, every detail — from the pajamas and six daily meals of leukemia and cancer patients to their blood, platelets, and life-saving smart medicines imported from abroad — is provided completely free of charge.

With a treatment success rate of 94% and a vision to reach 100%, LÖSANTE is not only a hospital but a monument of solidarity and hope — one of the greatest humanitarian achievements built by the people of Türkiye.

Time to Cast Worries into the Sea: LÖSEV Bodrum Holiday Village

For children with leukemia, emotional well-being is an essential part of the healing process. With this in mind, LÖSEV transformed a boutique hotel in Bodrum into a holiday village dedicated entirely to children battling leukemia.

The 75-bed LÖSEV Bodrum Holiday Village, donated by philanthropist Memduh Hacıibrahimoğlu, offers a breath of fresh air for children who become socially isolated during long and challenging treatment periods.

Every year, hundreds of children from across Türkiye enjoy an unforgettable holiday here—full of joy, activities, and friendship—and for many of them, this is the very first time they experience the sea.

World of Children Health Award for Dr. Ustun Ezer

In 2017, Dr. Üstun Ezer was honored with the prestigious World of Children Health Award, widely regarded as the “Children’s Nobel Prize.” This international recognition highlights LÖSEV’s commitment to child health and rights, and demonstrates how its impact has been acknowledged around the world.

Speaking about the award, Dr. Ezer said:

“World of Children is the most important and deep-rooted organization in the field of child welfare. The work of impact partners who have dedicated their lives to disadvantaged children is something that should be recognized, and this is exactly what they do. Winning this award is such an honor.”

This milestone stands as a testament to LÖSEV’s global influence and the life-changing work carried out for children battling leukemi

Hope Grown Naturally: LÖSEV Seferihisar Natural Life Center

Natural farming, healthy living, and a place of renewal for young survivors

At the LÖSEV Farm in Seferihisar, satsuma mandarins are grown using natural and sustainable farming practices, free from pesticides and chemicals. These vitamin C–rich mandarins bring the unforgettable taste of childhood to families across Türkiye, especially children recovering from leukemia.

Beyond leading the way in natural agriculture, LÖSEV uses this center to promote healthy living and create meaningful opportunities. During the summer and harvest seasons, young survivors are welcomed to Nature and Youth Camps, where they enjoy outdoor activities and educational programs in a supportive, nature-filled environment.

LÖSEV at 20: Turning Hope into Reality for Children with Leukemia

Marking its 20th anniversary, LÖSEV has created profound and lasting change in the lives of children battling leukemia and cancer. Through free medical treatment, educational support, and comprehensive social assistance, LÖSEV has brought hope to thousands of families across Türkiye.

With its nationwide awareness movement, “I Wear My Mask to Raise Awareness,” LÖSEV helped make children with leukemia more visible in society and reminded the public that leukemia is a treatable disease.

As we observe the 2–8 November Week for Children with Leukemia, LÖSEV continues its mission to stand by every child, turning hope into healing.

LÖSEV Çerkeş Natural Life Center: A Healing Space for Recovered Children and Youth

Located in the Çerkeş district of Çankırı, the LÖSEV Çerkeş Natural Life Center is one of LÖSEV’s most transformative projects. Established in 200, the center brings together natural farming, livestock production, and facilities for natural dairy and meat products, alongside special programs such as the Cancer Detox and Natural Living Center.

As one of the most meaningful achievements in LÖSEV’s fight for a cancer-free world, the Çerkeş Natural Life Center offers every year a unique camp experience for children and young survivors who have completed their treatment. Surrounded by lakes, nature, and open spaces, they enjoy sports, music, competitions, and recreational activities, celebrating health, joy, and life after leukemia.

LÖSEV Turns 25: A Quarter Century of Love, Goodness, and Hope

For 25 years, LÖSEV has carried forward a powerful mission built on love, goodness, and hope — becoming one of Türkiye’s most trusted and respected civil society organizations. Since its founding, LÖSEV has earned the admiration of millions through its entirely free medical care, educational support, social assistance programs, and nationwide awareness initiatives, continuing to bring life-changing support to children and renewed hope to their families.

Bursa Science and Nature Village Institute for Children with Leukemia

For more than 25 years, inspired by the principles of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, LÖSEV has worked to ensure equal access to education for all children. The Bursa Science and Nature Village Institute for Children with Leukemia reflects this mission by offering children undergoing treatment a supportive learning environment enriched with science, art, history, and nature.

The institute enables children to continue their education during treatment, heal in nature, and regain their confidence. In 2024, it remains a vital part of LÖSEV’s mission, providing a hopeful world where children can learn, grow, and recover.