Record-Breaking Funds Raised by the Medical Charity Run for Pediatric Patients
On Tuesday, November 6, the organizers of the 8th Medical Charity Run presented proceeds from the event, handing over a check for €13,484 to representatives of the Clinic of Pediatrics at the University Hospital Martin. This sum marks the largest amount collected in the event’s history.
The 8th run attracted over 740 participants, and while previous years saw more runners, this year’s total fundraising exceeded all past records. "I'm thrilled about it," said organizer and student Amy Van Brecht. "Most volunteers were medical students who not only educated the public at booths during related events but also participated as runners. I’m glad this event has gained popularity not only among medical students but also the general public." She expressed appreciation for the collective effort in making a positive impact for pediatric patients in the hospital while promoting health and fitness.
The Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University (JFMED CU) in Martin has long supported this event. “I greatly appreciate our students’ commitment to this charitable cause, and I was pleasantly surprised by this year’s donation amount. I trust the clinic will use the funds effectively to support children in need. The event is always accompanied by strong emotions, and I am very grateful to the organizer and her team. I am incredibly proud of them,” stated JLF UK Dean Professor Andrea Čalkovská, MD, DSc., at the donation handover.
The entire sum is designated for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the children’s clinic. “We are delighted with this amount; it was a wonderful surprise. Given the current healthcare situation, any support to improve quality care for our youngest patients is most welcome,” said Professor Miloš Jeseňák, MD, PhD, MBA, Dott.Ric., MHA, head of the Clinic of Pediatrics at University Hospital Martin. He added that the funds will go toward improving various aspects of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. “We aim to make the patient intake process more efficient and to enhance comfort for both young patients and their accompanying parents.”
The clinic plans to purchase new infusion pumps and perfusers, replace some beds, and create a separate observation room. “We currently lack an observation or intake area in the children’s clinic. Space is limited not only for admitting pediatric patients needing intensive care. A dedicated room will allow patient intake, even at night, to occur without disrupting care for other pediatric patients on the ward,” explained the clinic’s primary physician, Peter Ďurdík, MD, PhD.
The Medical Charity Run has supported the Clinic of Pediatrics in previous years. Proceeds from the 7th run funded a complete renovation of a room for pediatric oncology patients. "Parents are very happy about this, as the children now have a more comfortable space that feels less like a hospital," shared the clinic’s head nurse, Ivana Dzurecová, PhDr. The 9th Medical Charity Run will take place in 2025, with proceeds once again designated for pediatric departments at the University Hospital Martin.