Today at The Dacha Centre was one of those moments that stays with you—a powerful reminder of exactly why we do what we do.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our Sponsor a Cake supporters, we were able to give Rinat exactly what he wished for on his 17th birthday. It wasn’t just about the cake—it was about creating a moment that felt normal, joyful, and truly his.
We’ve had the privilege of getting to know Rinat over the past year through our programs at the Dacha Centre in Lviv. Each visit, each conversation, has shown us the same thing: a young man with quiet strength, kindness, and resilience far beyond his years. Today, we had the honour of standing beside him—not as visitors, but as part of a moment that mattered deeply.
Rinat’s journey has been anything but easy. He was first diagnosed and began treatment in Kyiv. When the full-scale invasion escalated, he and his mother were forced to leave their home and were evacuated to Israel, where he underwent surgery and continued treatment. Later, due to the situation there, they returned to Ukraine. Now in Lviv, Rinat continues his rehabilitation, still facing challenges that most people will never fully understand.
For the past year, he and his mother have been living at the Dacha Centre—a place that has become more than just accommodation. It is a temporary home, a support system, and a space where families can remain together while navigating some of the hardest moments of their lives.
And yet, despite everything he has been through, Rinat continues to show up with strength and grace. He is thoughtful, kind, and quietly determined. Celebrating his 17th birthday wasn’t just a milestone—it was a moment to recognize everything he has overcome and everything that still lies ahead.
Through our Sponsor a Cake program, we aim to do something simple but meaningful: to ensure that every child we meet has the chance to celebrate their birthday, no matter their circumstances. Because birthdays matter. They remind us of who we are beyond illness, beyond war, beyond hardship. They bring joy into spaces that need it most.
Today, that’s exactly what happened. There was laughter, candles, smiles—and for a moment, everything else faded into the background.
We want to extend a special thank you to Nazar Dumych for creating an incredible cake that made the celebration even more special. It was made with care, creativity, and heart—just like the moment itself.
To everyone who supports this program: this is your impact. You are not just providing a cake—you are creating moments of joy, dignity, and connection during some of the most difficult times in these children’s lives.