I would like to express my appreciation to ECCO for awarding one of a limited number of Patient Advocate Participation Grants to the Hungarian Children’s Cancer Foundation, which allowed a representative to attend the 2011 European Multidisciplinary Cancer Congress in Stockholm.

The event did not only give useful information on the improvement of cancer research to doctors and nurses but also to pharmacists, civil organisations, and patients as well. I think it was really important that every speaker presented in English, so there was no need for interpreters. This also created a very interactive environment.

Proof of the great planning was the Programme Book that helped attendees find the seminar they were interested in the most. In addition, those printed and online documents that gave information about the speeches were also very helpful.

Staff at the registration desks were well-prepared and well-informed about everything. They were able to provide up-to-date answers to anyone who had any question. Despite the large number of participants the registration was well-organised and went smoothly.

We could only reserve a hotel room in the suburbs of Stockholm, because those in the centre were already fully booked due to the high interest in the Congress. Fortunately, it did not cause us any inconvenience because free public transportation tickets were included in our registration package for the duration of the Congress.

We have learnt and experienced a great deal, which we will now be able to utilise in our own organisation in the future. We met numerous participants and speakers, many of whom we have established the foundations for valuable personal relationships. These relationships will provide great help to those parents whose children we support and to the doctors who turn to us for help or advice.

Several experienced professionals offered their help and advice on cancer related issues and cancer treatments, which are rudimentary in Hungary but already successfully utilised in Europe and other large economies worldwide.

Among the scientific presentations, the one most appealing and important to us was the one which discussed the significance of alternative medicine as a cancer treatment.

Thank you once again for giving us the opportunity to attend to this highly educational and meaningful Congress with the support of the ECCO Patient Advocate Participation Grant.

- István Balogh, President Board of Trustees, Hungarian Children’s Cancer Foundation