President Milanović Meets with Krijesnica Association Delegation Supporting Children and Families Facing Malignant Diseases

The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović received a delegation from the Krijesnica Association today. This association supports children and families facing malignant diseases, aiming to empower them and provide essential assistance during treatment. Founded in 2000, the Krijesnica Association emerged from an initiative of parents whose children were treated for malignant diseases, alongside medical staff who cared for these children.

During the meeting, the delegation briefed President Milanović on the association’s activities. They highlighted that the members primarily consist of parents whose children are undergoing treatment at oncology departments in Croatia, parents whose children have successfully completed treatment, and those who have lost a child to a malignant disease. Additionally, the association includes young people who have undergone treatment for malignant diseases and numerous experts from various fields, all contributing to the support and success of the association’s work.

In addition to the Association’s ten employees, about a hundred volunteers, mostly students, assist children and parents. According to Mirela Stanić Popović, the Executive Director, the association provides assistance to around 100 families annually. Their work is funded through donations from individuals and organizations, as well as projects financed by the state budget and European funds.

At the meeting, the vision of the association was discussed, emphasizing a society where families of children with malignant diseases have equal access to all relevant systems that meet their individual needs. The association’s programmes aim to support children treated at all national reference centres for paediatric tumours. However, with headquarters in Zagreb, most activities are concentrated in the wider Zagreb area. They also noted that Krijesnica is one of the few associations providing physical presence and support in both Zagreb hospitals, Children’s hospital Zagreb and University Hospital Centre Zagreb.

In addition to Executive Director Mirela Stanić Popović, the delegation of the Krijesnica Association included Jelena Češljar, a consultant for patients’ rights; Dubravka Vidović, a coordinator of creative workshops for parents and children undergoing treatment; Žana Salapić, a peer support provider for parents; and Lucija Dorotić, a peer support provider for children and young people.

President Milanović was accompanied by Jadranka Žarković, Adviser to the President of the Republic for Education.

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Filip Glas