ENRX hosts telethon to support families facing childhood cancer

"For a year and a half, our lives were consumed by the battle against cancer," Rune explains. "We frequently had to travel to the university hospital in Oslo for Sigurd's treatments. It was an incredibly challenging time for the entire family."

This year's telethon: Family houses at hospitals

The upcoming telethon will raise funds to support family houses at university hospitals in Tromsø, Trondheim, Bergen, and Oslo. These family houses will offer a sanctuary for families who must remain near the hospital for extended periods during their child's treatment. For those who live far away and face months of uncertainty by a hospital bedside, these accommodations provide a much-needed refuge.

Rune understands firsthand how vital these facilities can be. "During the early stages of Sigurd's treatment, we stayed at a patient hotel. Later, during his radiation therapy, we were fortunate to borrow an apartment from the Children's Cancer Association," he recalls. "Having a dedicated space close to the hospital made a huge difference. It provided us with the comfort and stability we desperately needed."

ENRX employees rally together

Rune’s experience has deeply resonated with his colleagues at ENRX, inspiring a fundraising effort for the telethon. The employees set an ambitious goal of raising at least 2000 Euros, with the company pledging to match that amount if the target was met. The response was overwhelming; the fundraiser has already surpassed 3.400 Euros.

"I am incredibly proud of our team," says Merethe Pepevnik, Managing Director at ENRX Norway. "Their dedication to supporting this cause is inspiring."

Corporate fundraiser event

Today, Merethe Pepevnik hosted a corporate fundraiser at ENRX's cafeteria, welcoming local businesses, politicians, and representatives from various organizations. The event encouraged companies to make donations.

"It was fantastic to kickstart the campaign with an initial donation of over 5000 Euros from ENRX," says Gry Solheim from the telethon organization. "And, in just a few hours, we managed to raise over 30.000."

Sigurd's story

As for Sigurd, he is now nearly 21 years old and training as a plumber apprentice. While cancer still casts a long shadow over his life, his determination remains strong. "His lung capacity is reduced, and he still requires monitoring at the hospital every five years," Rune notes. "But the good news is, he is cancer-free and doing well."

The Telethon serves as a reminder that the fight against childhood cancer is not just about medical treatment; it's about supporting families through every step of the journey. With the help of the Children's Cancer Association, many more families like Rune's will find the comfort and care they need during some of life's most difficult moments.