The Indonesian Pediatric Cancer Foundation or Yayasan Kanker Anak Indonesia (YKAI) announced the launch of its flagship program, 'Humanity in Harmony', during a High Tea Gathering at the Grand Hyatt in Jakarta on Monday, which aims to establish hospice and palliative care facilities for children battling cancer from underprivileged backgrounds.

YKAI's initiative is driven by the alarming increase in the number of children diagnosed with cancer in Indonesia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 8,677 Indonesian children aged 0-14 were diagnosed with cancer in 2020, making Indonesia the country with the highest incidence of childhood cancer cases in Southeast Asia.

Currently, YKAI has eight care homes dedicated specifically to children with cancer. However, this number is insufficient to accommodate the growing demand for temporary care during treatment, chemotherapy, and rehabilitation.

The Motivation Behind the Initiative

YKAI's 'Humanity in Harmony' initiative is inspired by the belief that every child diagnosed with cancer deserves access to quality treatment and care. The program aims to establish hospice and palliative care facilities that offer comprehensive amenities, enhancing the quality of life for young cancer fighters.

'Humanity in Harmony' is a long-term project that will encompass charitable programs aimed at raising awareness and fostering collaborative efforts within the community of donors and child cancer advocates. The primary objective is to build hospice and palliative care homes for children with cancer from underprivileged backgrounds, marking a pioneering effort in Indonesia.

Hospice and Palliative Care

Hospice facilities provide temporary residence for patients who are scheduled for treatment at referral hospitals over time. Palliative care is an integral part of the overall cancer treatment process, focusing on optimizing the quality of life and alleviating suffering among individuals with severe, complex, and often life-threatening illnesses.

Symphony for Life: A Charitable Gala Concert

YKAI will launch its 'Humanity in Harmony' program with the inaugural Charity Gala Concert, 'Symphony for Life', on November 26, 2023, in Jakarta. The event will feature a stellar performance by world-class British-Indonesian pianist George Harliono, accompanied by the Jakarta Sinfonietta under the skilled direction of conductor Iswargia R. Sudarno.

Proceeds from the concert will support the construction of YKAI's hospice and palliative care homes.

About Yayasan Kanker Anak Indonesia (YKAI)

Yayasan Kanker Anak Indonesia (YKAI) is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating the care and treatment of children battling cancer from underprivileged families in Indonesia.

Founded in 2004, YKAI has offered support to more than 6,000 children with cancer. The organization provides integrated services, including medication provision, transportation, family support, and ongoing education.

YKAI's vision and mission are rooted in the principles of embracing, nurturing, and, together, restoring Healthy Smiles for Indonesian children.

YKAI's 'Humanity in Harmony' initiative represents a significant step forward in the fight against childhood cancer in Indonesia. The program will provide essential support to children and families battling this disease, while also raising awareness of the critical need for hospice and palliative care.

We invite you to join us in supporting this noble initiative and attending the inaugural Charity Gala Concert, 'Symphony for Life'. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children with cancer and their families.