'Kingitud Elu' or ‘The Gift of Life’ is Estonia’s first privately launched charity fund in support of cancer treatment. It helps those whose medical costs are not covered by the state’s Health Insurance Fund, assisting them in purchasing vital medicines that prolong their lives.
Founded by Hille & Toivo Tänavsuu and Janek Mäggi in early 2014, the fund has so far raised over USD 190,000 and helped eight patients – the youngest of them 19 and the oldest 76.
The founders were inspired to set up the charity by the cancer treatment experience of career journalist Hille Tänavsuu, who passed away in spring 2014 after many years battling the disease. A cutting-edge medicine manufactured by Pfizer granted her an extra year of life, which she lived to the full. However, Hille had to pay for the treatment herself. It cost her a staggering amount of money - USD 6960 a month. She was only able to afford it thanks to support from many people. Such a priceless gift led to the idea of setting up the charity in order to give a hand to other cancer sufferers who found themselves in the same situation.
In addition to helping patients, the fund also aims to ‘treat’ Estonian society, promoting charity as a way of life. Furthermore, it hopes to contribute to the state’s medical treatment policy, making it more compassionate and personal.
The head of the charity fund is Hille’s son, Eesti Ekspress journalist Toivo Tänavsuu. Toivo is currently in US and Canada on a roadshow to introduce the fund.
Roadshow schedule:
September 29 - Estonian House in New York
September 27 - Seminar of Estonian Amercan National Council, Stamford, Connecticut
September 29 - Estonian Embassy in Washington
October 1 - Toronto Tartu College
October 2 - Portland, Oregon
October 4 - Estonian House, Los Angeles
October 5 - San Francisco Bay Area, Alameda, CA
To support the charity:
www.kingitudelu.ee/toeta More information:
Toivo Tänavsuu
e-mail:
Tel: +372 52 76 004
