Meet Anya Deripapa

This little girl is Anya Deripapa. Her face, as she holds a paintbrush, projects such a beauty and hope. 

In 1998 Anya Deripapa, from Ukraine, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia -- the most toxic form of the disease.  Unable to secure the required treatment in her country, Anya's parents made a desperate international plea for help in an attempt to save their two year old daughter's life.  The call was taken up by Chernobyl Children's Project International, who arranged for life saving treatment at National Children's Hospital in Dublin.

Arriving in autumn 1998, Anya began intensive chemotherapy treatment in the Irish town of Tallaght.  Following the initial blocks of treatment, her serious condition began to improve as she went into remission.  Since then, Anya has received ongoing care, returning to Ireland periodically for treatment. Happily her condition has continued to improve. 

Today, six years after she was given little hope of survival, Anya is a healthy and energetic six year old  -- and her face graces our home page.