The Charitable Foundation “Together Forever,” founded in 2016, supports children with rare neurological diseases by providing access to advanced medical care abroad.

Established by Sergey Stopnevich, inspired by his daughter’s life-saving surgery, the foundation assists children from Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Belarus in receiving top-notch treatments in Europe, Israel, and the U.S. The foundation directs all donations to treatment by sending children to high-tech clinics with the latest technology.

Events like the Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon play a crucial role in raising awareness and funds for this vital cause.

Can you introduce your charity and provide an overview of its mission and purpose?

The Charitable Foundation “Together Forever,” founded in 2016, is dedicated to helping children with rare neurological diseases of the spinal cord and brain. We provide access to top-quality medical care and treatment abroad, offering these children the chance to receive care in leading clinics across Europe, Israel, and the U.S. Our mission is to ensure that every donation goes directly to their treatment, helping them return to or improve their quality of life.

What inspired the establishment of your charity, and what motivated its founders to address this particular cause? Are there any specific populations or communities that your charity focuses on serving? What led to the decision to prioritize these groups?

The foundation was established by me, Sergey Stopnevich, in 2015 after my daughter required urgent brain surgery. We found a clinic in Germany that successfully performed two complex operations, and this experience deeply impacted me. I realized the challenges faced by parents in similar situations and decided to create “Together Forever” to support children from Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and other post-Soviet countries. Unlike most local organizations, we focus on providing access to high-tech clinics abroad, filling a critical gap in their treatment options. We focus on children with rare neurological diseases of the spinal cord and brain. This focus stems from our foundational history and our commitment to addressing the specific needs of these children, who often lack access to advanced treatments available in other countries.

What is the importance of events like the Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon to support your cause?

Events like the Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon are crucial for raising awareness and funds. They provide a platform to connect with a broader audience, share our mission, and demonstrate how each contribution significantly impacts the lives of our beneficiaries. Such events help us gather the resources needed to continue our vital work.

Can you provide examples of individuals or communities who directly benefited from the funds raised from the Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon? How did their lives or circumstances improve as a result of your organization’s interventions?

In 2019, the marathon helped us raise €1,383, which contributed to Victor Gurtyakov’s treatment at the Assuta Clinic in Israel. This was part of the €18,000 needed, allowing Victor to receive an examination and medications for his epilepsy seizures. This support was crucial for his ongoing treatment.