The successful completion of project BGLD-1.004-0001-C02 "Recovery Center for Children with Oncohematologic Diseases" under the program "Local Development, Poverty Reduction, and Enhanced Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups," funded by the EEA FM 2014-2021 (Local development, poverty reduction, and enhanced inclusion of vulnerable groups) under the grant agreement № D03-15/12.06.2020.

On April 23, 2024, in the building of the "Recovery Center for Children with Oncohematological Diseases," a concluding press conference was held to present the results of the activities of project BGLD-1.004-0001-C02 "Recovery Center for Children with Oncohematological Diseases." The project is part of the "Local Development, Poverty Reduction and Enhanced Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups" program and is funded by the EEA Grants 2014-2021 It began in 2020 and successfully concluded in April 2024 with impressive results, having a budget of 1 316 649 euros (2 575 102,11 BGN).

The Deputy Mayor of Kostinbrod Municipality, Alexander Nenov, opened the press conference, expressing his satisfaction with the achieved results: "I am happy that we manage to work collaboratively and cohesively with the Association 'Children with Oncohematological Diseases.' Thanks to the project, the center has been helping children and their families for four years now. I have met and spoken with some of them, and I am glad that they feel so well here and that we are able to help them."

Margarita Borisova, a member of the center's team, shared: "Each year in Bulgaria, between 150 and 200 children, aged 0 to 18, are diagnosed with cancer. The treatment is arduous and can last from 6 months to 2 years, and for some children, a lifetime. The specifics of the treatment lead to social isolation for the children and adolescents. The chance of achieving full recovery is accompanied by the need to provide adequate and timely care to prevent the social risks that the illness and treatment bring."

For nearly four years now, the only "Recovery Center for Children with Oncohematological Diseases" in Bulgaria and the Balkans has been providing services to children who have overcome cancer and their families. Within the framework of the project, the following activities were implemented:

1. Formation of a project management team – Създаден е екип с необходимите компетенции за изпълнение на проекта.
2. Study of good practices and exchange of experience with rehabilitation centers for children with various diseases, including cancer, in Norway and Italy - visits to rehabilitation centers in Norway and Italy for experience exchange.
3. Elaboration of strategy, methodology and programs for the provision of the service "Rehabilitation center for children with onco-hematological diseases" - development of strategies and methodologies for working with different groups of users: children, teenagers, siblings, families who have lost a child.
4. Staff Training - Initial and Upgrading - Conducted an introductory training and three advanced training sessions for the team.
5. Provision of the Recovery Center for Children with Oncohematologic Diseases service - The center provides accommodation, meals, psychological, and social services to 102 families.
6. Publicity and awareness - Numerous publications, a maintained website, four press conferences held, and 6,000 brochures distributed.
7. Audit of the project Recovery Center for Children with Onco-Hematological Diseases - Six interim and two final audit reports prepared to ensure transparency and efficiency.

The project achieved impressive results. A methodology for providing services to children with oncohematological diseases was developed and benefited 102 families. The feedback received shows nearly 100% satisfaction with the services provided. The project included experience exchange with three representatives from the beneficiary and engaged 43 staff members.

The stay and all services at the center are completely free for the children and their families, thanks to a grant under the "Local Development, Poverty Reduction and Enhanced Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups" program, funded by the EEA Grants 2014-2021. The primary significance of the project lies in supporting children and parents psychologically and socially, aiming to improve their quality of life and emotional well-being.

The completion of the project marks significant progress in supporting children with oncohematological diseases and their families in Bulgaria and the Balkans. The center continues to be a main pillar of support, providing the necessary care and resources to overcome the challenges associated with cancer treatment.

This project demonstrates how collaborative efforts and support from various organizations and programs can lead to significant positive changes in the lives of affected families.