Lymphoma drains strength, but no big dreams
Benas is an active, curious young man who loves cars, drifting, sports, and especially bicycles. Time outdoors, cycling, and being with friends have long been some of the boy’s greatest joys. However, in March this year, Benas’s life unexpectedly changed. After poor blood tests and enlarged neck lymph nodes, many tests followed, including hospital visits, biopsy, MRI, and PET scan. Finally, the family heard the diagnosis – lymphoma.
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Treatment for Benas started immediately. He is undergoing aggressive chemotherapy, which not only exhausts physical strength but sometimes affects emotional state as well. Nevertheless, despite the difficult trials, Benas tries to look at life positively, believes in his strength, and never stops dreaming.
Good emotions heal
One of Benas’s dreams is an electric mountain bike. For him, a bike means not only the ability to ride – it is freedom, movement, new routes, time with friends, and the chance to rediscover beautiful places.
During the Velomarathon event, this dream will come true, supporting all event participants and the foundation community, which is always there for those who need all kinds of help here and now. Sometimes it is not medications or medical supplies, but simply good emotions and dreamed-of gifts that remind us – miracles exist and are created by people’s kindness.
“Sometimes what seems simple to one person can become a huge motivation and reminder to another that life does not stop even when going through a very difficult stage. We want Benas to have as many opportunities as possible to smile, move, be with friends, and dream of new adventures,” say representatives of the Rimantas Kaukėnas Support Foundation.
This year, a group of well-known people are joining the Velomarathon: Vytautas Rumšas Jr., Raimondas Pasternackis, Vytautas Kvaraciejus, “Gerovės klinikos” director Greta, Diana Vapsė, Diana Dargienė, Virginijus Vapsva, Deividas Česnauskis, Airė Armantė Krukauskaitė, and Vita Degutienė.
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Those wishing to pedal meaningfully are still invited to join the foundation’s team, and during registration for the Velomarathon, to donate to the foundation and thus contribute to the dreams of Benas and other heroes supported by the foundation.
All who donate to the foundation during registration will be awarded specially prepared T-shirts at the foundation’s tent on the event day, so that while riding through the most beautiful streets of the capital, they will be united and remember that every kilometer covered is a huge support for a boy with cancer. Donations can also be made on the event day by visiting the foundation’s tent.
You can financially support the foundation’s activities, initiatives, and projects by donating using the following details:
Rimantas Kaukėnas Support Group
Company code: 302721009
VAT code: LT100011960710
Account no.: LT147290099086499744
Purpose: SUPPORT
The “Rimantas Kaukėnas Support Group” has been operating since 2012 and helps Lithuanian children with oncological diseases. The goal of this foundation is to ease the burden on children with life-threatening illnesses and their families, help them survive the trauma of a difficult diagnosis, long recovery, and bring light to children’s lives by fulfilling their dreams. With the help of sponsors, the “Rimantas Kaukėnas Support Group” provides children with necessary medical equipment, non-reimbursed medications, and helps carry out important treatments and surgeries.
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