MIBG for Ivan

5-year-old Ivan from a small village in Odesa region likes to play with little cars and wants to drive a big tractor. But now the main goal of his life is to get well. For the second year in a row, Ivan has been receiving treatment for neuroblastoma. During this time, the boy went through many chemotherapy cycles, a surgery to remove the tumor and an autotransplantation of stem cells. Now Ivan is receiving supportive therapy and is awaiting the necessary examination to make sure that there are no cancer cells left behind. 

In the case of neuroblastoma, the most informative is an MIBG scan. This is a special examination using radioactive iodine. In Ukraine, such a survey is not conducted due to the lack of the necessary isotopes. The boy has to go to Italy and the Bergamo Clinic is waiting for him. The price of the scan is 522 euros. His parents spent all their savings over the years of their son’s treatment, so they have no money to pay the bill. Let’s help Ivan’s family get the answers they need so much!

Name: Ivan Hozhda, 26.10.2013

City: Adamivka village, Odesa region

Diagnosis: neuroblastoma