LÖSEV’s Brave Survivors Share Hope and Resilience in New York.
LÖSEV’s young leukemia survivors visit New York for a global awareness campaign, sharing messages of hope and unity during the 24th International Week.
This week in New York City, eight remarkable young leukemia survivors from Turkey are sharing a powerful message of hope and resilience. Their journey is part of a global awareness campaign organized by LÖSEV (the Foundation for Children with Leukemia), one of Turkey’s leading non-governmental organizations dedicated to supporting children battling leukemia.
These brave children, having completed or nearly completed their treatment, are not just visiting iconic New York landmarks like Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History, and Broadway, they’re also representing the voices of thousands of pediatric cancer survivors worldwide.
Their visit marks the launch of the 24th International Week for Children with Leukemia, celebrated under the theme “All Children with Leukemia Are Equal.” The campaign’s mission is to raise global awareness about childhood leukemia and to foster solidarity among survivors across borders.
The highlight of their visit is their participation in the Annual Turkish Day Parade and Festival on May 17. Walking alongside LÖSEV’s founder and Chairman, Dr. Üstün Ezer, the children will advocate for greater global awareness of childhood leukemia. Their schedule also includes visits to the United Nations Headquarters, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Turkish Consulate General, and the Turkevi Center, strengthening connections with both the Turkish-American community and international supporters of pediatric cancer care.
For these children, the trip is more than just sightseeing-it’s a celebration of their courage and a testament to what’s possible with the right support. As Dr. Üstün Ezer shared:
“This is the first time I will be joining the Turkish Day Parade in New York, and I am thrilled. The people of the United States will see the remarkable work we are doing in Turkey-how we treat and educate these children, how we give them confidence and how we build their futures. Even here, doctors and children will witness the incredible achievements of our young survivors.”
Founded in 1998, LÖSEV has provided free treatment and comprehensive support to over 65,000 children and their families, earning recognition with UN Special Consultative Status for its work.
The international program continues in the coming weeks, with 50 children and young people from LÖSEV participating in educational and cultural visits as part of International Week for Children with Leukemia. Through these efforts, LÖSEV continues to spread hope, raise awareness, and unite communities in the fight against childhood leukemia.
As these young heroes walk the streets of New York, they remind us all that with support, compassion, and determination, every child with leukemia can have a brighter future.