Over the past five decades, significant advancements have been made in the treatment of some types of pediatric cancer, while progress in other types has been more limited, and survival rates remain low. Despite these advancements, cancer remains the leading cause of death for children aged over 1 year and under 12 years in Europe, with approximately 6000 children and young people succumbing to cancer annually. Additionally, about 70% of survivors experience sequelae and complications as a consequence of the disease or its treatment. In Portugal, approximately 400 cases of childhood cancer are diagnosed each year.

Tomás Vilaça was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2019 at IPO Porto, and after a relapse in 2020, a public fundraising campaign, “Pelos Sonhos do Tomás,” was conducted. Following this initiative, the association “Pelos Sonhos dos Tomás” was established in early 2023 with the following main objectives:

• Improve the quality of life for children undergoing oncological treatment in various stages of the disease.
• Establish 24-hour pediatric palliative care teams for home care in pediatric oncology.
• Promote research in pediatric oncology.

One of the initial projects we are working on is a protocol with IPO Porto to establish an integrated pediatric home care team.