Aina Poiša, Nils Saks Konstantinov, Ieva Brante and other inspiring personalities will participate. Various master classes will be held. Miks Dukurs, Just and others will be happy with their music. The event will be led by Valdis Melderis.
“HOPE FOR TOMORROW” is a charity project that we – the “Let’s Help Each Other” association – started already in 2023, when funds were collected for oncology patient Inga Dirveika during a 48-hour long charity marathon.
Thanks to the support of donors, our association has also helped other oncology patients who needed to pay for specific analyses, medications necessary for targeted therapy, dental services, utilities and food.
This time we are taking a step further and for the first time in the history of the society we are holding the event “Hope for Tomorrow” in person. We invite you to get involved in the lives of hundreds of families in which oncology has entered and changed the rhythm of life, as well as the financial influx.
The latest statistics show that at least 80,000 people are suffering from oncological diseases in Latvia. Of these, 15,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer.
At least 1,100 new patients join this number every year. A large part of them face financial difficulties, were self-employed, so they do not receive any social guarantees. During excruciating chemotherapy, patients are often unable to work or even fired due to the diagnosis. And you can already imagine what happens in a family where there are two or three children, but mom is the sole breadwinner and she is diagnosed with cancer. This means at least 8 months of chemotherapy courses, operations…
So that oncology patients do not have to worry about financial issues, we, the association “Let’s help each other”, want to give these people a helping hand and invite you to get involved in the implementation of good works.
Family psychotherapist – Aina Poiša, chief physician in breast surgery – Assoc.prof. will share her life experience and knowledge of how to improve emotional well-being. Arvīds Irmeys, adolescent therapist, psychology teacher – Nils Sakss Konstantinovs, civically active lawyer, life inspirer – Ieva Brante, multi-artist, TV personality Jānis Bukums, stylist, designer Indra Salceviča, etc.
We will talk a little about the specifics of oncology, but we will learn the secrets of how to improve your private life, well-being, so as not to get sick, one of the causes of which is confusion, stress and exhaustion.
Creative master classes will be available to everyone:
• Aromatic soap workshop
• Macramé, or the miracle of knotting
• Dream catchers
• Epoxy resin jewelry
• Christmas balls
• Felting
• The master class ”Tea Sketches” will be a real journey in your abilities and creativity
During the event, raffles will be held, there will be a photo booth to capture fun moments.
The musical mood will be enriched by: M. Dukurs, Justs with the group, M. Grigale, K. Dimanta, pop group Masks from Liepāja, etc
It will be possible to donate blood in the new electric bus of the State Blood Donor Center, which will be located next to the venue.
Tickets are available at “Bilešu serviss” ticket offices and www.bilesuserviss.lv
All income from tickets and donations will go to the needs of oncology patients. When purchasing a ticket, everything happening in the hall is available for free.
Time.news Interview: A Conversation on the “Hope for Tomorrow” Charity Event
Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today to discuss the upcoming ”Hope for Tomorrow” charity event. We have an extraordinary lineup of guests participating, including inspiring figures like Aina Poiša and Nils Saks Konstantinov. To help us unpack the significance of this event and its impact, we have Aina Poiša with us today. Aina, as a family psychotherapist, you’ve dedicated your career to improving emotional well-being. Can you tell us how this event ties into your work?
Aina Poiša: Thank you for having me! The “Hope for Tomorrow” event is a wonderful initiative that aims to address the emotional and financial challenges that oncology patients and their families face. My role is to share insights on managing emotional well-being, particularly for those dealing with the stress and anxiety that comes with a cancer diagnosis. It’s essential to equip families with tools to cope, especially when one family member is undergoing treatment.
Editor: Definitely, emotional support is crucial during such trying times. The event aims to raise funds for oncology patients in Latvia, where statistics show there are about 80,000 individuals living with cancer. What specific types of support do these funds provide?
Aina Poiša: The funds collected through “Hope for Tomorrow” will help cover essential costs for oncology patients. This includes financing specific medical analyses, targeted therapies, dental services, utilities, and food. Many patients face not only the emotional toll of their illness but also significant financial hardship. For instance, a sole breadwinner diagnosed with breast cancer can drastically change a family’s financial dynamics. Our goal is to alleviate as much of that burden as possible.
Editor: It’s heart-wrenching to think about the struggles faced by these families. How common is it for patients to be financially impacted by their diagnosis?
Aina Poiša: Sadly, it’s a frequent reality. Many patients are self-employed, lacking social safety nets. When treatment starts, they may be unable to work or even lose their jobs. This can create a cascade of difficulties—especially for families with children. The psychological strain can be immense, as not only do they worry about health, but also about being able to provide for their family.
Editor: That’s such an important issue, and it really underlines the need for community support. You’ve mentioned that there will be master classes included in the event. How do you think activities like these contribute to the overall success of the charity?
Aina Poiša: Master classes create an opportunity for people to come together, learn, and engage in a positive way. They also help to promote awareness about cancer and the difficulties patients face. Furthermore, participation in these activities fosters a sense of community and solidarity. It underscores that we are all in this together, and that collectively we can help those in need.
Editor: And we have some exciting artists like Miks Dukurs performing at this event! How do you believe music and arts play a role in emotional healing?
Aina Poiša: Music and the arts are incredibly therapeutic. They have the unique ability to uplift spirits, bring joy, and provide a sense of escape during tough times. For cancer patients, experiencing music can be a source of comfort and resilience. At ”Hope for Tomorrow,” we aim to create an atmosphere of hope and positivity—music is a key element of that.
Editor: The event also promotes community engagement beyond just fundraising. How can individuals who cannot attend still contribute to this cause?
Aina Poiša: There are numerous ways to contribute! People can donate, whether it’s through financial support or by contributing goods or services for the charity auction. Spreading the word about “Hope for Tomorrow” on social media or within personal networks can also amplify our efforts. Every action, no matter how small, can make a significant difference.
Editor: It’s inspiring to hear how much of a community effort this is. As we wrap up, what message would you like to leave our readers about participating in initiatives like this?
Aina Poiša: I encourage everyone to get involved in their own capacity. Whether through participation in events, donations, or simply raising awareness, we all have the power to make a difference. Supporting oncology patients and their families not only helps those in need but also enriches our community and reinforces the spirit of solidarity. Together, we truly can bring hope for tomorrow.
Editor: Thank you, Aina, for your insights and for the important work you’re doing. We look forward to the success of the “Hope for Tomorrow” event and hope it touches many lives in positive ways.
Aina Poiša: Thank you for having me. Let’s spread hope together!