About Katrina and her family
Six-year-old Katrina from Allaži needs support to undergo a medical treatment course that could significantly improve her quality of life and help develop her speech.
Katrina is the youngest of three children in a warm and loving family. She is the one who currently needs the most help — she requires a second stem cell transplant, which may bring meaningful improvements to her health and development. The treatment is scheduled for this autumn, and the family is doing everything they can to prepare.
The family lives in a small village, Stīveri, located between Sigulda and Allaži. The road to their home was only recently built, and GPS still struggles to locate them. Their family home needs renovation, but the work has been slow — all resources are focused on Katrina’s care and medical needs.
Katrina’s mother, Everita, works as a preschool teacher at a Waldorf kindergarten in Sigulda and is currently studying at the University of Latvia’s Cēsis branch to become a certified early education teacher. Her father, Ivars, works in a furniture production company in Mālpils and, in his spare time, gradually renovates the old family home. Katrina’s older brothers — 14-year-old Markuss and 11-year-old Roberts — attend school in Allaži and help at home and in taking care of their sister.
The family’s daily routine revolves around Katrina’s needs — therapy sessions, rehabilitation, and shared time together.
About Katrina’s diagnosis and progress
At the age of two, Katrina was diagnosed with autism and received official disability status. Over time, her vision also began to deteriorate.
To better support her daughter’s development, Everita started studying pedagogy. She puts all her heart into both her professional work with children and Katrina’s upbringing. Katrina regularly attends ABA therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other developmental sessions. These services are expensive, and so far, the family has covered the costs themselves.
First stem cell therapy – already done
At the end of last year, thanks to generous donors, Katrina underwent her first stem cell transplant at Mardaleishvili Medical Centre in Georgia. This clinic was selected as it offers high-quality care at a significantly lower cost than many Western European clinics.
Before choosing the clinic, Everita researched international experiences with stem cell therapy, joined support groups for parents, and connected with families whose autistic children had already received this kind of treatment. The clinic in Tbilisi stood out with the best feedback and visible positive results in children's health.
Doctors at the Tbilisi clinic regularly train at top clinics in the USA and Europe. The centre has extensive experience in using stem cells to treat autism. Results include improvements in speech, behaviour, and cognitive function.
In Latvia, autism spectrum disorders in children are primarily treated with psychoeducational interventions only.
Stem cell therapy is considered a progressive and effective method used in modern clinics worldwide. 70% of patients see lasting improvements. In 10% of cases, children fully recover — no longer showing signs of autism, going on to study, build relationships, and live fully independent lives.
Why is a second therapy course needed?
Before her first therapy, Katrina could not speak, respond to her name, or understand basic commands. She was completely dependent on others for dressing, eating, and toileting.
Within six months of the procedure, significant progress has been observed.
“Her sleep has become deeper and more peaceful — and finally, the whole family can rest. Katrina has started using the toilet with assistance and is now learning to dress herself. This is a huge step forward.”
To continue this progress, doctors recommend a second course of stem cell therapy, which may further improve Katrina’s speech, understanding, and independence.
However, the family cannot afford this treatment without additional support.
The required amount: EUR 14,900.
To continue this progress, doctors recommend a second course of stem cell therapy, which may further improve Katrina’s speech, understanding, and independence.
However, the family cannot afford this treatment without additional support.
The required amount: EUR 14,900.
How to help?
Every euro is a step closer to helping Katrina grow, learn, speak, and become more independent.
The family is deeply grateful to everyone who helps their daughter take the next steps toward a better, more fulfilled life.
A dedicated donation account for Katrina has been opened by the BeOpen Charity Foundation, as part of the Green Lamp project.
No commissions or fees are deducted — all donations are used exclusively for Katrina’s treatment and rehabilitation.
Donation details:
BeOpen Charity Foundation
Registration No.: 50008218201
Account No.: LV95 CBBR 1123 2155 0072 0
SWIFT code: CBBRLV22 (BluOr Bank AS)
Purpose: Support for Katrina Kacēna