Blue Heron Foundation, a small NGO known for its work with at-risk youth in Romania and Moldova, supported and financed medical care for over 160 Ukrainian refugees whose cancer treatments were disrupted by the ongoing war. In a press release, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Moldova says that a report published in The Lancet Oncology, one of the world’s top medical journals, highlighted the foundation’s role in helping to save the lives of Ukrainian cancer patients who fled to Moldova and Romania, leaving behind treatment plans due to severely disrupted cancer services.
“In the midst of the wartime turmoil, patients with cancer in Ukraine faced extended wait times for diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy centres had to absorb a rapid influx of internally displaced patients, and there was a shortage of surgical materials," the report states. Each month cancer treatment is delayed, mortality risk increases by as much as 13%. The Blue Heron Foundation "had an essential role in bridging the gap between refugees and their cancer specialists, to overcome barriers and greatly reduce delays.”
The program was spearheaded by Dr. Horia Vulpe, a Romanian-Canadian radiation oncologist practicing in the United States.
The program financed cancer treatments, helped local doctors manage an influx of Ukrainian patients, and organized medical evacuations from Ukraine. It assisted patients with transportation, places to stay, registration paperwork, coordination of care, interpretation at medical appointments, and resources for psychosocial support.
Blue Heron’s one-on-one comprehensive assistance together meant that Ukrainian cancer patients were integrated in the medical system in a matter of days, drastically reducing barriers to care and helping save countless lives. The program’s collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (the UN migration agency), the Institute of Oncology in Moldova, and a wide network of partnering cancer clinics in Romania was instrumental its rapid and durable success in helping vulnerable patients.
“This is a novel approach to humanitarian work in oncology. It proves that collaboration and teamwork among cancer professionals and international organization can save the lives of cancer patients by reducing delays, overcoming barriers, and financing care for refugees in a time of war,” said Dr. Horia Vulpe, Director of Cancer Care Programs for the Blue Heron Foundation.
Blue Heron Foundation has worked in the U.S., Romania and the Republic of Moldova since 2002. It offers university scholarships and support under a mentoring program for vulnerable young people. Donations are directed 100% to beneficiaries, the founders fully covering administrative costs. Since February 2022, BHF has developed twelve humanitarian aid programs to support Ukrainian refugees, especially in the field of oncology care.
