Thanks to Podari Life donors, Dr. Alexander Druy from the National Research and Clinical Center for Pediatric Hematology attended the 4th Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Conference in New York. He gained valuable insights into molecular genetics, diagnostics, and new therapies for brain tumors like medulloblastoma. The visit also led to collaboration talks with U.S. researchers. These advances will help improve treatment and outcomes for children in Russia.

Harvard junior Anton Gillespie dreamed of becoming a doctor and volunteered in Russia with help from Podari Zhizn. At the Federal Center for Pediatric Onco-Hematology, he shadowed doctors treating children after stem cell transplants. He was amazed by the high level of care and personal attention. Inspired by the experience, Anton joined the bone marrow registry and plans to apply to medical school next year.

Galya beat leukemia twice. A former dancer and top student, she faced intense treatment and relapse but stayed strong thanks to her mother and doctor. Today, she’s a university graduate, manager, and volunteer at the Winners Games. Though recovery was hard, she found joy, purpose, and lifelong friends through the Podari Zhizn Foundation. Galya dreams of travel and learning languages—and reminds young patients: don’t give up, believe in yourself, and focus on healing.

Anya spent a year battling leukemia, supported by her grandmother, doctors, and volunteers from the Podari Zhizn. The illness was tough, but it gave her a new perspective. After recovery, she moved to Moscow, earned a degree in Labour Economics, and now works at Russian Railways. Though she lost old friends, she found strength, purpose, and hope. Anya says, “My illness was a second chance—to live differently, value life, and never give up.”

Seryozha Svyatkin spent six years in treatment for aplastic anemia—four of them in Moscow. Today, he's an adrenaline lover: snowboarding in winter, wakeboarding and motorcycling in summer. "I’ve always been drawn to extremes," he says. "My illness didn’t dampen that—it amplified it. Life can throw surprises at you, so while things are good, you’ve got to seize the day." Seryozha’s journey shows how hope, support, and belief can carry you through the toughest battles.

At 15, Zhenya was diagnosed with stage IV Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The first two months of treatment were brutal—she lost 20 kg and could barely walk. But one day, she realized: “I couldn’t get any weaker. I had to fight.” She pushed forward, found hope in laughter, strength in friendship, and purpose in helping others. Today, Zhenya works for the very foundation that once supported her, sharing her story to remind others that even the hardest battles can lead to beautiful new beginnings.