A disturbing investigation uncovered this bitter reality—the cancer charity’s fundraising millions for sick kids were allegedly diverted into unauthorized activities. This has left families mired in loss, mourning while asking whether crowdfunding campaigns can be trusted. This report, produced by BBC, looks at Chance Letikva, an organization connected to Erez Hadari. Our investigation revealed how families, seeking only a path forward for their children, had been played while their kids’ suffering was used to line a few pockets.
At the heart of this scandal is Aljin Tabasa. His son, Khalil, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of just seven years old. Khalil was instrumental in a grassroots campaign that helped raise more than $700,000 (£523,797). Shortly thereafter, Aljin got the sad news that the campaign had lost. On the day of the video shoot, he was paid a paltry $700 (£524) filming fee. This fact pattern creates profound concerns of transparency and accountability for fundraising campaigns that purport to benefit sick children.
One more of the many families victimized by this scandal is that of Viktorriia Firsova, a five-year-old girl currently fighting brain cancer. Yet just last week, Viktoriia’s mother, Olena, shared the heartbreaking news that her daughter has developed a second brain tumor. Viktoriia’s campaign video literally sprang to life at Angelholm Clinic, Chernivtsi. Our talented staff member Tetiana Khaliavka coordinated the whole shoot to perfection.
The name of Erez Hadari appears in the registration documents of Chance Letikva. She made this connection right to the organization that is often accused of preying on these families. Chance Letikva’s US branch is connected to an organization named Saint Raphael. This interweaving of connections introduces a further layer of complexity to the fundraising pursuits.
The shocking investigation shows that at least two of these campaigns were filmed at Angelholm Clinic. The clinic’s striking exposure wood paneling and scrubs worn by staff at the clinic become prominent fixtures in the campaign films. Aljin Tabasa Sharescreen Aljin Tabasa said that after receiving a role, he was given a script to memorize and read in English for his video. This raw preparation indicated quite the degree of orchestration with an eye toward maximizing emotional appeal to potential donors.
Isabel, the individual who had reached out to Aljin Tabasa, had provided monetary support to medical funds for his son Ana’s condition. Her comments about what’s happening speak to the deepening feeling of betrayal shared by these families.
“This is very bad Ana, very bad indeed.” – Isabel
A courageous whistleblower has already done so. Closer to home, they’re illuminating the ground game and operational strategies that the puppeteers of these campaigns have employed.
“They were always looking for beautiful children with white skin. The child had to be three to nine years old. They had to know how to speak well. They had to be without hair,” – Whistleblower
This statement highlights the manipulation and exploitive practices that could have been used to select children for fundraising showcase. Among many other disturbing claims, the whistleblower described how they were instructed to have children’s photos pre-approved by Erez Hadari.
The disillusionment experienced by families such as Aljin’s is painfully evident. Then he shared the heartbreak he felt when he learned how these fundraising efforts were being misrepresented.
“So as I understood it, the video just didn’t make any money,” – Aljin
He said had he known about all the millions raised, he feels Khalil would still be alive right now.
“If I had known the money we had raised, I can’t help but think that maybe Khalil would still be here,” – Aljin
Composed in 2016, Olena Firsova’s work evokes the suffering all parents wish to avoid. They have become unwitting victims of what can only be described as a heartless plan.
“When your child is… hanging on the edge of life, and someone’s out there making money off that. Well, it’s filthy. It’s blood money.” – Olena
As these criminal investigations continue, the case for tougher oversight grows clearer and more compelling. We need stronger rules for crowdfunding campaigns that prey on vulnerable people. Families that turn to advocates in their most desperate moments deserve more than spin from the organizations that purport to represent them.
