VUČKOVIĆ: NEW CHANCE AT LIFE FOR CHILDREN - THE GREATEST REWARD

BANJA LUKA, MAY 22 /SRNA/ - Jasminka Vučković, Director of the Solidarity Fund for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Diseases, Conditions, and Injuries of Children Abroad, has stated that every new chance at life given to children through medical treatment abroad is the greatest reward and the ultimate proof of the Fund’s importance.

Vučković expressed gratitude to Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, whose efforts led to the establishment of the Fund in 2017 and the legal regulation of its operations.

“Today, we are joined by children, some of whom are fully recovered, others are given significantly better chances at life, thanks to the treatments they received in countries around the world,” Vučković said at a reception organised by President Dodik for children treated through the Fund, their parents, and Fund management.

She noted that some of the children present began their treatment as early as 2018 and remain part of the Fund’s extended family, even though they have surpassed the age limit of 18.

“It is a tremendous support for parents when you provide funding for the treatment of the most serious diagnoses, as well as travel and accommodation, allowing them to focus solely on caring for their children during such difficult times,” she emphasized.

Anđelka Stupar, the mother of Vuk Majkić, who has been battling a rare disease for 14 years, says there are no words to describe how much the Fund’s support means.

“It’s hard to put into words the sense of security the Fund gives to the parents knowing there’s an institution that cares both for the children and for them. It’s a great relief not to have to worry about additional costs,” Stupar said.

She adds that hospital management in Turkey, where her son is being treated, was surprised that such a small country like Republika Srpska has fully resolved the issue of funding children's medical care abroad.

Jovan Petrović, a boy currently receiving treatment through the Fund, personally thanked Vučković for being there for him in his hardest moments.

“It’s not easy to go through treatment, to fight, to undergo surgery, I've had 17 so far, with more to come, but I’ve come a long way. Thank you for that,” said Petrović.

Strahinja Rosuljaš from Bijeljina, who was born with spina bifida, shared that despite living with the condition for 19 years, he has become a successful athlete.

“If it weren’t for the Fund, I wouldn’t have been able to continue my basketball career, in which I’ve achieved great success. I’m happy we are all here today, bravely fighting our battles,” Rosuljaš said.

He thanked Vučković for giving him and other children new chances at life, as well as President Dodik for taking the time to be with them.