Nadia, who recently moved to San Francisco from Russia, turned her 30th birthday into a fundraiser for Podari.Life.

“I have everything I need,” she said. “This year, I want to give instead of receive.” With support from her workplace, Sandrino Pizza and Vino, Nadia hosted a heartfelt celebration that raised over $1,200 to help children with cancer. Happy Birthday, Nadia—and thank you for turning your milestone into a gift of hope.

Nikita Merkulov, a childhood cancer survivor, reflects on his journey ahead of the VIII Worldwide Winners Games. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at 13, he credits his recovery to the support of Podari Zhizn, volunteers, and meaningful conversations that helped him heal emotionally. Now a defense lawyer, Nikita shares how illness transformed his worldview, teaching him courage and patience. 'I owe my life to those who helped me, and I’ll carry that gratitude forever,' he says.

Coffey Burlington hosted a celebrity-filled fundraiser for Podari.Life on January 5, 2017, at Tanuki Miami Restaurant. Guests included designer Masha Tsigal, journalist Julia Bordovskikh, and Bal Harbour Mayor Gabriel Groisman. Attorney Kendall Coffey spoke on the importance of supporting children with cancer. The evening featured a surprise dance performance, an art auction from Galleria Ca’ d’Oro, and a Hublot watch showcase—raising vital funds for Podari.Life’s mission.

Thanks to your support, Podari.Life funded key initiatives: an internship for Russia’s first Child Life specialist ($1,405); the first step in bringing CAR T-cell therapy to Russia ($5,000); new medical libraries in Moscow and Yekaterinburg ($2,720.36); Manikin dolls to help young patients cope with treatment ($1,952); expert surgical consultation from a visiting European professor ($1,463.94); and educational opportunities for top Russian doctors ($3,699.09).

At the Dmitry Rogachev Center, manikin dolls are helping young cancer patients cope with fear and anxiety. These life-sized medical dolls are used by clinical psychologists to explain treatments, procedures, and hospital routines in a playful, non-threatening way.

The dolls encourage children to express emotions, ask questions, and feel more in control. Thanks to Podari.Life donors, these valuable tools are making hospital stays less scary and more supportive for kids and their families.

To celebrate her birthday, Yelena chose to support a cause close to our hearts: providing a clinical information subscription for oncologists at FNKC. This subscription, which grants doctors access to vital international research, costs up to $28,000 annually. Yelena’s initiative raised nearly $1,400—an incredible start toward this important goal.

Huge thanks to Yelena and her generous friends! 💛