This week a press conference for the charity Duck Race 2019 took place at which representatives of three Estonian charities – the Estonian Association of Parents of Children with Cancer (EAPCC), the ‘Gift of Life’ Cancer Treatment Foundation and the Minu Unistuste Päev (My Dream Day) charity foundation – showcased the family event, which is to be held on 8 June. Eight-year-old Annabel Sepp, who overcame cancer thanks to the support of benefactors, also attended the press conference.

The three charities are inviting every person and company in Estonia to participate in this year's Duck Race. Everyone can visit the event's website at www.pardiralli.ee and buy themselves, their family or their employees racing duck numbers or make a donation towards helping young patients. The purpose of the Duck Race is to make sure that every child fighting this terrible disease receives crucial treatment and that their families are provided with much-needed assistance: psychological support, special education, physiotherapy and more.

"The Duck Race will be taking place for the sixth time and has become a really special, much-loved event for many people in Estonia, so taking part in it goes without saying," remarked Kaili Lellep, chairman of the board of the EAPCC. "We hope this year the number of people participating will increase as there are children being diagnosed with cancer that still need help and donations. It’s a great feeling when you’ve done good and when you already have a duck lined up to race the other 15,000 ducks in June."
Estonia's most famous WRC rally driver Ott Tänak will also have his duck in the race, which makes this years Duck Race a unique opportunity for everyone to compete against a WRC superstar!

"Life is of such enormous value and every child is a treasured gem,” said EAPCC coordinator and support person Luive Merilai. “We can help you treasure that gem so that every child is able to see tomorrow. We will do our best to be steadfast in our support of families so that they don't lose hope or faith. Every generous benefactor is part of contributing to the well-being of children diagnosed with cancer and their families, and every donation can lead to a miracle."

Minu Unistuste Päev (My Dream Day) charity foundation CEO Kristiina Gabor-Mägi says that dreaming gives every child diagnosed with cancer a lot of positive energy and helps them cope with even the toughest challenges very bravely. “Good deeds that people do together amplify their kindness many times over and in so doing create better opportunities for emotional treatment and give hope for a brighter childhood for children diagnosed with cancer,” she said.

My Dream Day has arranged personal dream days for Tauris, Annabel and many other children diagnosed with cancer, offering emotional and psychological support to their family members that gives them the strength to fight the disease and direct their attention at brighter moments of life.

The ‘Gift of Life’ Cancer Treatment Foundation and the EAPCC together funded the neuroblastoma treatment of seven-year old Tauris and eight-year-old Annabel last year. All in all, nearly a quarter of a million euros was contributed to their treatment. Both little heroes overcame the disease last spring and they are doing well. "By participating in the Duck Race you will be helping to provide other children diagnosed with this terrible disease with crucial treatment, life and the chance to grow up," said Toivo Tänavsuu, the director of the cancer treatment foundation.

The money raised as part of Duck Race 2019 will be used to fund the support centre for children diagnosed with cancer and their families, which was established as a result of the previous races. The centre provides young cancer patients and their families with comprehensive assistance and support services.

In cooperation with the foundation, the EAPCC can also use the funds of the Duck Race to finance treatment not covered by the Health Insurance Fund, where necessary. My Dream Day fulfils the dreams of severely or chronically ill children to give them and their families psychological support that helps them cope with healing.

Duck Race 2019 will be taking place on 8 June in Kadriorg Park in Tallinn, where nearly 15,000 rubber ducks will be racing one another. This open-access event provides plenty of entertainment, the best catering in the city and lots of fun for the whole family. Participate in the race by purchasing a duck number from www.pardiralli.ee.

The opening of this year's Duck Race is being supported by the family restaurant HELK at T1 Mall of Tallinn and Maitsvad Muffinid.

Make a donation in support of children diagnosed with cancer:

Beneficiary: Eesti Vähihaigete Laste Vanemate Liit

Swedbank EE562200221064019722

Luminor EE501700017004606286

LHV EE597700771003343080

SEB EE561010220267764221

Coop EE294204278609755209

Our partners in the Duck Race: 

The Estonian Association of Parents of Children with Cancer was founded in 1992 with the purpose of helping the parents of children diagnosed with cancer. The association is made up of people with similar experiences, who know what they are talking about and who want to help.

The Minu Unistuste Päev charity foundation was founded in 2011. Its purpose is to fulfil the dreams of seriously or chronically ill children, thus providing both children and their loved ones with emotional support – positive experiences, joy and encouragement.