the Danish Childhood Cancer Foundation (Børnecancerfonden)

About the foundation

The Danish Childhood Cancer Foundation (Børnecancerfonden) was founded in 1995 by former chief physician Henrik Hertz. As a private, independent foundation, it is 100% dependent on donations. The foundation works exclusively for children with cancer and their families, focusing on three main areas:

• Research

• Family support

• Awareness

Childhood cancer

Childhood cancer is the most common medical cause of death for children over the age of 1 in Denmark. There are 12 different diagnoses, with approximately 200 children diagnosed each year. Around 600 children receive treatment annually. The cause of most childhood cancers is still unknown. The survival rate is approximately 85%, with around 5,000 survivors.

The foundation's work in childhood cancer research

The foundation is a frontrunner in childhood cancer research. Between 2016 and 2022, EUR 35 million was allocated to research, and the foundation is the single organisation that has funded the most research projects in childhood cancer in Denmark. The foundation has established six professorships dedicated to childhood cancer research and allocated EUR 2.4 million to strategic research into brain tumours and immunotherapy.

Support for families

The foundation offers a range of services to support children with cancer and their families. These include psychological counselling, rehabilitation camps and grants that provide financial assistance to help families cope with the challenges of childhood cancer. In addition, the SuperSnøren programme – 'Beads of Courage' – helps children through their treatment journey with meaningful symbols.

Support and hear the children's stories at boernecancerfonden.dk/donate/

Follow along on Instagram @boernecancerfonden