Kanserli Çocuklara Umut Vakfı

Kanserli Çocuklara Umut Vakfı (KAÇUV), or the Foundation for Children with Cancer, is a Turkish civil society organization based in Istanbul. It was founded in 2000 by families of children undergoing treatment at the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Service of Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, together with physicians. The foundation's mission is to ensure the continuity of treatment for children who cannot afford it and to provide psychological support and a child-friendly treatment environment. KAÇUV operates Family Houses where children and their families can stay free of charge during treatment. It also runs activities and projects in hospital pediatric hematology and oncology wards and in the Family Houses to improve the quality of life of children and families from psychological, social, physical, and medical perspectives. Key facilities include the Umut Merkezi (Hope Center), playrooms, social services, psychological support, the Umut Dükkanı (Hope Shop), and the Umut Kafe (Hope Cafe). The foundation engages in fundraising through donations, volunteer work, and sales of merchandise such as printed mugs and t-shirts. It has collaborated with the Karolinska Institute's Childhood Cancer Research Unit and has received support from various private institutions. Artists including Emel Sayın, Işın Karaca, Nükhet Duru, Orhan Gencebay, and Yaşar contributed to a joint album titled 'Gel Sende Katıl Umudun Şarkısına' to benefit KAÇUV. The foundation also publishes books, including 'Çocuk Kanseri' by its president Prof. Dr. İnci Yıldız, and 'Oyun Değil Gerçek' by photographer Ceren Karaçayır, with proceeds going to the foundation. KAÇUV continues to expand its programs, including the 'Umudum Eğitim Burs Programı' (My Hope Education Scholarship Program) for the 2026-2027 academic year and new publications such as 'Umut Dolu Sandık'. The organization relies on donations and volunteer support to sustain its activities.

Kanserli Çocuklara Umut Vakfı (KAÇUV) was founded in 2000 in Istanbul by families of children receiving treatment at the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Service of Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, together with physicians. The foundation was established to address the financial and psychological needs of children with cancer and their families. In 2002, the oncology service was renovated and a playroom was added. By 2004, the number of rooms had increased to 10 and beds to 18. The foundation organized entertainment activities for children on special days such as New Year and April 23. Volunteers from Yıldız Technical University provided computer training to children, and yoga sessions were held to help patients relax. KAÇUV launched a campaign to build a 'family house' where children receiving treatment at Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty and their families could stay free of charge. The foundation also collaborated with the Karolinska Institute's Childhood Cancer Research Unit. Fundraising efforts included a joint album 'Gel Sende Katıl Umudun Şarkısına' featuring artists such as Aysun-Ali Kocatepe, Emel Sayın, Işın Karaca, Nükhet Duru, Orhan Gencebay, and Yaşar. Proceeds from books such as 'Çocuk Kanseri' by Prof. Dr. İnci Yıldız and 'Oyun Değil Gerçek' by photographer Ceren Karaçayır, as well as sales of printed mugs and t-shirts, supported the foundation. Over the years, KAÇUV expanded its services to include Family Houses, the Umut Merkezi (Hope Center), playrooms, social services, psychological support, the Umut Dükkanı (Hope Shop), and the Umut Kafe (Hope Cafe). The foundation continues to run projects and activities to improve the quality of life of children with cancer and their families. Recent initiatives include the 'Umudum Eğitim Burs Programı' (My Hope Education Scholarship Program) and new publications like 'Umut Dolu Sandık'.

• 2026

  Applications for 2026-2027 'Umudum Education Scholarship Program' opened.

• 2026

  New book 'Umut Dolu Sandık' published by KAÇUV Publications.

• 2004

  Number of rooms increased to 10 and beds to 18.

• 2002

  Oncology service renovated and a playroom added.

• 2000

  Foundation established in Istanbul by families and physicians.

• Collaboration with Karolinska Institute's Childhood Cancer Research Unit.

• Joint album 'Gel Sende Katıl Umudun Şarkısına' released with various artists.

• Family House campaign launched for free accommodation.

Non-profit foundation providing holistic support to children with cancer and their families in Turkey.

• Family Houses

  Free accommodation for children and families during treatment.

• Umut Merkezi (Hope Center)

  Center for activities and support.

• Playrooms

  Play areas in hospitals for children.

• Social services

  Social support for families.

• Psychological support

  Psychological support for children and families.

• Umut Dükkanı (Hope Shop)

  Shop selling merchandise to support the foundation.

• Umut Kafe (Hope Cafe)

  Cafe supporting the foundation.

• Umudum Eğitim Burs Programı

  Education scholarship program for children.

1. 1Kanserli Çocuklara Umut Vakfı - KAÇUVkacuv.org
2. 2Kanserli Çocuklara Umut Vakfı - Wikipediatr.wikipedia.org
3. 3Wikidatawikidata.org