A child diagnosed with cancer faces far more than hospital appointments and medical procedures. Families suddenly confront emotional, financial, and practical challenges that can feel overwhelming. Across Paraguay, the Renaci Foundation works every day to ensure that no child fights that battle alone by providing free, comprehensive childhood cancer care while investing in research, innovation and professional training.
“The Renaci Foundation is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation dedicated mainly to promoting and financing research projects for the treatment and cure of childhood cancer in Paraguay,” says Miguel Ángel Samuel Jiménez, 33, president of the Renaci Foundation.
“Our foundation is the only one in Paraguay that guarantees the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of childhood cancer completely free of charge, regardless of where the patient and the family live.”
Building a national support network
Founded in 2011, the organisation works alongside the Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Department at the Hospital de Clínicas to improve childhood cancer care from diagnosis through recovery. Beyond funding research projects, the foundation identifies the everyday needs of patients and develops innovative programmes that expand access to specialised care throughout the country.
“We work very closely with the Haematology and Oncology Department, seeing the needs of patients and families and identifying opportunities to develop innovative projects in Paraguay,” Jiménez tells The Asunción Times. “We apply for grants, and in this way we finance and implement these innovative projects.”
Caring for the whole family
The Renaci Foundation believes that treating childhood cancer requires much more than medicine, providing psychological support, dental care, essential medicines, infrastructure improvements and programmes that help children and families cope throughout treatment are also essential needs.
“The treatment of cancer is not only medical. There are many needs that involve the psychosocial side of the patient.”
In 2025, the foundation opened its Children’s Cancer Wellness Centre, where children receive paediatric palliative care and follow-up support through Paraguay’s first Survivorship Clinic. Now, in 2026, Renaci is also opening the country’s first rehabilitation room dedicated to childhood cancer patients.
Early diagnosis saves lives
One of the foundation’s most significant initiatives focuses on reducing delays in diagnosis. Through the TeleNEC programme, specialists from the Hospital de Clínicas provide remote guidance to doctors in more than 50 locations across Paraguay, helping them recognise childhood cancer symptoms sooner.
“Early diagnosis is synonymous with survival. The earlier a patient can receive a diagnosis, the greater the chance of survival.”
The programme has already increased the number of children diagnosed outside Asunción and continues gaining recognition nationally and internationally.
Innovation through international partnerships
International collaboration remains central to the foundation’s growth. Renaci works with Foundation S in France, St. Jude Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and Childhood Cancer International to strengthen research, medical training and specialised care.
For Jiménez, two milestones stand above the rest.
“One of the most important milestones for me is the creation of the Day Hospital, which carries the name of Natalia Escanoleo, my schoolmate who died from cancer. The other important milestone is the Children’s Cancer Wellness Centre inaugurated last year.”
In 2026, the foundation will also present its TeleNEC programme at the International Society of Paediatric Oncology Congress from 15 to 18 September, where the project is competing for an international award.
Looking beyond survival
Although childhood cancer survival rates continue improving in Paraguay, the foundation believes the mission goes beyond successful treatment. Survivors often face long-term physical and cognitive effects that require specialised care long after chemotherapy ends.
“Twenty years ago, survival in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia was approximately 35%; today it is 75%.”
The foundation now looks to improve quality of life before, during and after treatment.
An invitation to join the mission
The Renaci Foundation continues expanding thanks to volunteers, businesses and community partners who support its work across Paraguay. A recently launched volunteer programme creates new opportunities for people to contribute directly to children and families facing cancer.
“Without the support of people and companies, Renaci would not have been able to grow as it has. I invite everyone to join the mission of the Renaci Foundation. We are radically changing childhood cancer care.”
For families beginning one of life’s most difficult journeys, Jiménez offers one final message: “You are not alone. We are here to help you, accompany you through the process and walk beside you every step of the way.”
To know more, follow the Renaci Foundation on Instagram.
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