In 2024, Cancer Kids First’s founder and CEO, Olivia, traveled to Jakarta to bring vital support to pediatric cancer patients at Tzu Chi Hospital. During this visit, she delivered 127 medical resources, educational toys, and books, ensuring that children had both the essentials for care and the comforts of play and learning. A team of local volunteers also joined in creating inspirational cards written in Indonesian, making the messages of hope even more meaningful for patients and families.
Olivia had the privilege of meeting with Tzu Chi Hospital’s pediatric oncologists and patients, including children like Stella and Kinayu, whose resilience and positivity left a lasting impression. Beyond donating supplies, she spent time hand-delivering gifts, drawing, and playing alongside the children, offering moments of joy and connection during their treatment journeys.
This trip also provided a deeper understanding of the challenges facing pediatric cancer care in Indonesia. Many families are unable to afford treatment, forcing them to delay or even forgo critical care due to financial hardship. While heartbreaking, these realities have further strengthened CKF’s commitment to expanding its presence in the country. Olivia has since begun collaborating with hospitals in Yogyakarta and with the Ministry of Health to improve access to treatment and resources for children with cancer.
An estimated 100 patients currently receive treatment in Tzu Chi Hospital’s oncology ward, and this initiative marks only the beginning of CKF’s work in Indonesia. By combining hands-on care with long-term collaboration, we are committed to bringing sustainable change and hope to children and families across the country.
