The Ferryman Program (Mozgássérült Emberek Önálló Élet Egyesülete) by the Association of Disabled People for Independent Living is a lifeline for those navigating life after a sudden disability. Through trained "ferrymen"—bedside helpers who have faced similar challenges—the program offers practical, emotional, and social support to individuals during their rehabilitation. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or simply listening, these dedicated companions guide others through the toughest moments of their journey. 

Currently active in eight institutions, the program reaches 2,000–3,000 people annually, providing not just assistance but hope. With a vision to expand nationwide, the initiative aims to ensure that no one faces disability alone. Through shared experiences and compassionate support, the Ferryman Program is helping individuals reclaim independence and find strength in community. 

For children and young adults facing leukemia, the journey is overwhelming—not just physically, but emotionally. That’s where Comitato Matia Letizia Verga steps in, offering emotional and psychological support to patients and their families. Since 1979, this Italian non-profit has been a pillar of comfort, ensuring no family faces this battle alone.

At the heart of their work is "The Verga Teens" project, a safe space where young patients can share experiences, find strength in one another, and rediscover hope.  

Through personalized psychological support, creative workshops, and group activities, the initiative helps both patients and parents navigate the emotional weight of illness.

With 250 hours of activities provided by dedicated educators and psychologists, this program directly benefits 40 young patients, giving them the tools to cope, connect, and build resilience. It’s more than just support—it’s a lifeline of solidarity, proving that even in the toughest times, no one must fight alone. 

For over two decades, Krijesnica has been more than just a Croatian non-profit—it’s been a lifeline for children and young adults facing cancer, as well as their families. True to its name, meaning "firefly", the organization shines as a symbol of hope, resilience, and light in the darkest times.

Beyond medical treatment, cancer takes an emotional and social toll, and that’s where Krijesnica steps in. From psychological counselling to support groups, workshops, and even crafting wigs for children who’ve lost their hair, they’re restoring dignity and confidence, one small act at a time. But their mission doesn’t stop there.

Krijesnica is fighting for change, advocating for better healthcare policies and treatment options while ensuring families never feel alone. Through camps, recreational activities, and public awareness campaigns, they create moments of joy and inspire understanding.

This isn’t just about treatment—it’s about empowerment, community, and the belief that no child should fight cancer alone. Because every firefly, no matter how small, has the power to light up the dark. 

For mothers of children battling cancer, the emotional toll is immense—but for those in sheltered housing, the burden is even heavier. Fundación Nuestros Hijos steps in with a vital mental health program, ensuring that these mothers receive the psychological support they need to cope, heal, and stay strong for their children. 

The need became even more urgent during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many mothers were forced to stop visiting their children due to restrictions. Left isolated and overwhelmed, they faced anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. This initiative offers specialized mental health treatment, giving them the tools to process their emotions, regain resilience, and ultimately, provide stronger, more present support for their children. 

By prioritizing the well-being of caregivers, Fundación Nuestros Hijos not only heals mothers but also strengthens families, proving that compassionate care extends far beyond the hospital walls. 

For children battling cancer, the fight goes beyond just medical treatment—it’s an emotional and psychological battle as well. That’s why the Fundacja na Ratunek Dzieciom z Chorobą Nowotworową has introduced Snoezelen therapy rooms in four major oncology centers across Poland, creating a space where young patients can relax, heal, and feel safe.

These Multi-Sensory Rooms, now available in Bydgoszcz, Poznań, Warsaw, and Białystok, use light, sound, texture, and gentle movement to help children reduce stress, cope with anxiety, and find moments of peace amid treatment. In a comfortable setting guided by trained professionals, kids can momentarily escape the clinical environment, engaging their senses in a way that promotes calmness, activation, and emotional well-being.

With an average of 4,000 therapy sessions conducted per year, this initiative is transforming how children experience cancer care. More than just a therapy, it’s a lifeline for resilience, proving that healing isn’t just about medicine—it’s about caring for the mind, body, and soul. 

For over 20 years, Soles Civil Association has been a lifeline for children battling cancer in Córdoba, Argentina, ensuring that no child or family faces the journey alone. Their initiative, Comprehensive Support for Children with Cancer and their Families, provides emotional, material, and logistical assistance at two major pediatric hospitals in the region.

Operating 365 days a year, Soles volunteers bring companionship and emotional support to hospitalized children, while offering hot meals and active listening to parents enduring the unimaginable stress of treatment. Their Casa Soles, a temporary home for families traveling for care, has hosted over 160 families since 2019, providing free lodging, meals, and essential supplies.

Beyond emotional support, Soles removes financial barriers to care, offering food assistance to 30 families each month, distributing 92 snack kits in oncology wards, and even helping 20 families annually improve their homes for safe outpatient recovery.

With a dedicated team of 110 volunteers and professionals, Soles doesn’t just provide support—they build a community of care, proving that even in the face of cancer, no family is alone. 

In its 3rd edition, the Humanizing Health Awards in Mexico honored three groundbreaking initiatives reshaping lives through compassionate healthcare. But one stood out above the rest—Unidos pro-Transplante de Médula, the NGO with the most votes, fiercely fighting for hematologic cancer patients in need of bone marrow transplants. Their mission? To eliminate financial barriers, ensuring life-saving treatments are within reach.

From leukemia to lymphoma, myeloma to aplastic anemia, their support extends across a range of critical diseases, proving that no one should face a health battle alone. Bone marrow transplantation isn’t just a procedure—it’s hope, survival, and a shot at a disease-free life.

Teva Mexico also recognized Angelitos de Cristal, dedicated to children born with brittle bone disease, and Mi Gran Esperanza, uplifting pediatric oncology patients from vulnerable backgrounds.

These aren’t just organizations; they’re lifelines. They embody what it means to humanize health, proving that real impact happens when compassion meets action. Because at the end of the day, we’re all in this together—for a #HealthyFuture where care knows no boundaries.