On October 7, 2023 in the Concert Hall of the Academy of Music. Bacewiczów in Łódź, a unique cyclical event took place - the 13th Congress of Cured Patients and Patients undergoing Cancer Treatment - Fairy Tale and Concert Evening. The most important guests were the beneficiaries of the "Krwinka" Foundation and their loved ones. The event was therapeutic in nature.

Patients in the intensive phase of therapy, together with their parents, had the unusual opportunity to have direct contact with children who had overcome the fight against cancer.

- The Patients' Congress provides the opportunity for close meetings and dialogue between children undergoing treatment and those who have recovered from the intensive phase of the disease. The exchange of experiences, memories and renewal of acquaintances that were established long ago in hospital circumstances or during rehabilitation stays organized by "Krwinka" are invaluable - emphasized Elżbieta Budny, President of the "Krwinka" Foundation.

Thanks to the Congresses organized every two years by the "Krwinka" Foundation, the faith of oncologically ill children in the long-awaited recovery increases. Moreover, for doctors and nurses participating in the Congress, meeting with patients and families is also an emotional experience and proof of the validity of their work. The time spent together was full of moments of emotion and hope, as well as carefree fun, which helped strengthen the mental condition of children and their loved ones and tighten bonds and relationships.

During the 13th Patient Congress, the foundation was honored by the presence of, among others: Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Poland, Mrs. Małgorzata Niemczyk, Senator of the Republic of Poland, Mr. Krzysztof Kwiatkowski, Vice-Marshal of the Łódź Voivodeship, Mr. Piotr Adamczyk, Vice-President of the City of Łódź, Mrs. Joanna Skrzydlewska, Director of the Health Department of the Łódź Voivodeship Office, Mrs. Marzena Wochna. The Foundation also received a letter from the Voivode of Łódź, Karol Młynarczyk, in which the Voivode of Łódź emphasized the essence of the event and the need for activities carried out by the "Krwinka" Foundation.

During the ceremony, Mr. Krzysztof Kwiatkowski, Senator of the Republic of Poland, shared his personal experience of winning the fight against cancer, directing words of support and encouragement to the children and their families gathered in the hall. - Cancer can absolutely be defeated! I am in good shape - added Senator Krzysztof Kwiatkowski.

Equally important guests of the Patients' Congress were representatives of business, culture, sport, politics and non-governmental organizations, whose incredible sensitivity and big hearts enable the Foundation, as a parent organization, to comprehensively help children with oncological diseases and their families for 28 years.

The participants of the Congress could watch a short film showing selected activities of the "Krwinka" foundation in recent years. Additionally, a therapeutic fairy tale entitled "About boredom, what can be changed in creativity" presented the difficulties that young patients face every day during treatment and how they can deal with them. The actors of the onco-fairy tale are children - the foundation's beneficiaries and their siblings.

Two spots from recent years, produced as part of the 1% and 1.5% tax social campaigns, were also presented. After the presentation of all visual materials, there was a stage of awards and distinctions.

Oscar teddy bears were given to the actors of the onco-fairy tale and the heroes of the spot "HELP CHILDREN WITH CANCER GROW UP".

Awards were also given to "Extraordinary" people - people particularly involved in the Foundation's activities in four categories: EXTRAORDINARY PERSONALITY, EXCEPTIONAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, EXTRAORDINARY INITIATIVES, COMMITMENT IN VOLUNTEERING.

As part of the summary of the charity campaign "Time for LoveR - we record kilometers for children with cancer", further prizes and statuettes were awarded to individuals and companies who "logged" the most kilometers.

The highlight was the "HAPPY 13" raffle, during which thirteen students received unique prizes from generous sponsors. The official part of the ceremony ended with a concert of the musical star of the evening - SARSA and her band.

This year's Patients' Congress was held under the honorary patronage of the Voivode of Łódź, Karol Młynarczyk; Marshal of the Łódź Voivodeship, Grzegorz Schreiber; Mayor of the City of Łódź Hanna Zdanowska. Media patronage of the Congress: TVP3 Łódź and Radio Eska.

Photography courtesy of: Jakub Wilczek Photography and Marta Rowińska