Our Team
Hope 4 Kids albania
Board of Directors
Hope 4 Kids Albania
More hope for life, better health - more light in the eyes of every child.
Executive Director
Albana Hidersha
Albana Hidersha graduated in Finance and Accounting from the University of Tirana, Faculty of Economics, and has 30 years of experience in finance and management. Throughout her career, she has contributed to both the private and public sectors, and she currently leads the Economic Department of a public institution. The diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and the loss of her beloved son, Lisar, remains the most painful experience of her life—an experience she would not wish upon any other mother. In his memory, Albana has dedicated her life to supporting and advocating for sick children. She encourages everyone to contribute through their presence, volunteering, and donations, seeing it as a civic duty—a helping hand to those in need. Driven by a vision of an Albania where every child has access to advanced treatment and standardized care, Albana is committed to creating lasting change in the healthcare system. She believes that through collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication, it is possible to build an environment where children’s health and hope are not privileges, but fundamental rights. More hope for life, better health - more light in the eyes of every child.
Secretary General
Xheni Borakaj
Xheni Borakaj is the Secretary General of HOPE4Kids Albania and a resident physician in General Pediatrics at the University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa”. She completed her medical degree in 2022 at the Faculty of Medicine, UMT. During her studies, Xheni co-founded ACMS Albania (Albanian Committee of Medical Students) and later served as its NMO President, representing Albania within the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA). As a project manager in the organization, she worked closely with the Youth Department of the Council of Europe, gaining valuable experience in grassroot initiatives, youth and community engagement and in methods of non-formal education. During the final two years of her studies, Xheni was awarded the Sur-Place scholarship from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, dedicated to outstanding master’s students with strong academic performance and continuous involvement in civil society. After graduation, she joined the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung office in Albania as a Programme Coordinator, managing initiatives in the areas of media freedom, healthcare, economy and entrepreneurship, as well as Albania’s dictatorial past. Afterwards, for six months, she served as Assistant to the Chairwoman of the Committee on Labour, Social Issues and Health in the Albanian Parliament, as part of an annual NDI Albania programme. Xheni is the author of several publications developed within research projects, focusing on empowering young doctors in Albania, sustainable development, and stigma surrounding mental health. She sees HOPE4Kids Albania as an opportunity to contribute to standard-based care, as well as equal social and economic support for every child with cancer in Albania, at every stage of illness — ensuring that no one is left behind. Her goal is that through this foundation, Albania achieves structural, long-term and sustainable capacity in pediatric oncology — aligning with European standards in clinical practice, scientific research, and family support systems.
Member
Firesa Midha
Firesa Midha graduated in Law from the University of Tirana, Faculty of Law, and holds a Master’s Degree in Private Law. With over 10 years of experience in the legal field, she has held important positions in both public administration and the private sector, contributing to effective legal problem-solving and the drafting of sub-legal acts. Throughout her career, Firesa has assisted organizations with legal processes, supported the preparation of contracts, administrative decisions, and provided consultancy in matters related to legal compliance and personal data protection. Her involvement in HOPE4Kids Albania is driven by her commitment to contribute to a better, more accessible and standard-based healthcare environment for every child facing cancer in Albania.
Member
Enkeleda Duka
Dr. Enkeleda Duka is a Pediatric Hemato-Oncologist at the Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Service of the University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” in Tirana, Albania the national representative of Albania in St. Jude Global Alliance. She has been part of the department since June 2022. Dr. Duka graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Tirana in 2011, and completed her specialization in General Pediatrics at the University of Medicine, Tirana between 2015–2019. Since 2022, she has pursued several advanced international trainings in pediatric oncology, including a Master Course in Pediatric Oncology at the Princess Máxima Center (Netherlands), and the three-module SIOPE Pediatric Oncology Course. She is currently completing a six-month fellowship at the San Gerardo dei Tintori Hospital in Monza, Italy (since November 2024). Dr. Duka has participated in various international initiatives organized by SIOPE, SIOP, and St. Jude Global, building collaborative relationships aimed at advancing pediatric oncology in Albania. Through these experiences, she recognized the vital role of foundations in supporting and developing pediatric oncology, and has been an active supporter of establishing a foundation dedicated to this cause at QSUNT. As a board member of Hope4Kids Albania, Dr. Duka contributes to developing clinical strategies and strengthening international partnerships, with the goal of improving the quality of care and support for children with cancer and their families.
Member
Gentjana Çekani
Gentjana Çekani has been working since 2003 as a social worker in the Pediatrics Department at the University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa”, as part of the Pediatric Onco-Hematology Service. She provides psycho-social support to hospitalized children and their families, aiming to strengthen and improve psychosocial functioning in the context of malignant and chronic illnesses, support positive coping with treatment, and help manage the impact of these diagnoses on the daily lives of children and their parents, with the goal of improving their quality of life. Gentjana graduated in 1999 and completed a professional Master’s in Interpersonal Social Work in 2012, followed by a scientific Master’s in Social Work “Child and Family Issues” in 2014 at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tirana. To enhance the quality of services for patients and better understand the impact of serious diagnoses on children and families, she has participated in scientific studies since 2012, as lead author and co-author, with publications in scientific journals, national pediatric conferences, international congresses, and other activities related to health psychology and child development. Gentjana has also participated regularly in professional trainings and conferences, continuously strengthening her expertise. She has deep knowledge of the challenges and needs of children and their families and has built lasting relationships with individuals, groups, institutions, and organizations that provide support for patients, adapting interventions to meet the real needs of children and families. Gentjana joined Hope4Kids Albania as an expert on the psycho-social challenges faced by children with cancer and their families. She aims to expand her contribution through the foundation, offering systematic interventions to improve support and quality of life for patients and families.
Hope 4 Kids albania
Council of Experts
the President of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) and Chief Máxima International at the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology in the Netherlands.
Rob Pieters
Prof. Rob Pieters is the President of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) and Chief Máxima International at the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology in the Netherlands. A co-founder and driving force behind the creation of the Princess Máxima Center, he previously served as Chief Medical Officer (2013–2024) and helped establish the center as Europe’s largest institute for childhood cancer treatment and research by uniting all Dutch expertise in one national center. In his current role, Prof. Pieters leads the internationalization of the Máxima Center’s activities, promoting global collaboration in pediatric oncology to improve care and research for children with cancer worldwide. He is also a Professor of Pediatric Oncology at the University of Utrecht, with research focused on personalized therapies for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Prof. Pieters has authored over 600 scientific publications, supervised more than 50 PhD students, and is an active member of numerous international study groups and advisory boards. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded a Royal Knighthood as Officer in the Order of Oranje Nassau (2018).
President and Co-Founder of Dăruiește Viață / Give Life
Carmen Uscatu
Carmen Uscatu is the President and Co-Founder of Dăruiește Viață / Give Life, one of the most renowned NGOs in Romania and the organization behind the #WeBuildAHospital initiative - a €53 million project to construct a children’s hospital entirely through donations and sponsorships. This hospital, opened in 2024, is dedicated to providing multidisciplinary care for children with severe illnesses, with a special focus on cancer. To date, Dăruiește Viață had invested more than €80 million in the public healthcare system, implementing infrastructure projects, donating medical equipment, and supporting both patients and medical staff. In addition to the hospital project, Dăruiește Viață has modernized and upgraded pediatric and adult oncology departments in eight hospitals across the country to contemporary standards, built 20 sterile rooms—tripling Romania’s transplant capacity—established and equipped two advanced leukemia diagnostic laboratories, constructed two modular intensive care hospitals during the pandemic, and donated over 17 tons of personal protective equipment (PPE). Carmen Uscatu holds a Master’s in Global Child Health from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (2025). Through collaborations with internationally renowned centers such as the Princess Máxima Center and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Carmen is committed to fostering a regional network in Eastern Europe where expertise and resources are shared to ensure equitable care for all children. She focuses on knowledge exchange, training medical teams, and building lasting cross-border partnerships to strengthen pediatric healthcare across the region. The vision continues with plans to develop the site into Romania’s first pediatric medical campus — a hub of excellence, collaboration, and hope.
Expert
Prof. Donjeta Bali (Alia)
Prof. Donjeta Bali (Alia) is a Professor of Pediatrics and Pediatric Onco-Hematology Specialist at the University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” in Tirana, Albania, and the national representative of Albania in St. Jude Global Alliance. She graduated in General Medicine from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Tirana in 1995, and completed her specialization in General Pediatrics in 2001. In 2013, she earned her PhD in Pediatric Onco-Hematology, followed by the academic title of Associate Professor in 2016, and Professor in December 2023. Since 2001, Prof. Bali has worked at the Pediatric Onco-Hematology Service of the University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa”, the national reference center for pediatric hematology-oncology in Albania. She has also been involved in didactic teaching at the Catholic University “Zoja e Këshillit të Mirë” since 2016. Prof. Bali has completed numerous international trainings, courses, and internships, including programs in pediatric oncology, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, palliative care, transfusion medicine, hemorrhagic disorders, and medical genetics across Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Japan, and the USA. Highlights include internships at the University of Cagliari and Pisa, multiple editions of the EHA Pediatric Course in Italy, the Princess Máxima Center Master Course, observational training at Duke University, and international seminars on palliative care and cancer diagnosis and treatment. She is the author and co-author of over 35 original research articles, and has contributed to around 150 oral and poster presentations at national and international congresses and symposia in Pediatrics, Onco-Hematology, and Public Health. Prof. Bali has also authored and co-authored training manuals and books on Palliative Care, several of which have been adapted or translated into Albanian for use by medical students, nurses, and physicians. Prof. Bali has played a key role in advancing pediatric cancer care in Albania through her work at the national Onco-Hematology Department. She maintains strong connections with patients, families, and survivors, and has been a valuable contributor to the establishment and mission of Hope4Kids Albania, helping to shape its multidisciplinary framework and long-term vision.
Legal Counselor
Rezarta Agolli
Rezarta Agolli is a licensed attorney with over 21 years of continuous professional experience in the legal sector in Albania, working across public administration, civil society, and independent consultancy. She holds a Law degree and a Master’s in Private Law from the University of Tirana. Throughout her career, Rezarta has provided legal assistance and representation for women and girls in vulnerable situations and survivors of domestic violence, delivered trainings and awareness programs on gender-based violence, access to justice, free legal aid, social legislation, and human rights, and contributed to major institutional monitoring projects supported by international partners such as SIDA, AWEN, the European Union, UN Women, NDI, and other European donors. She has served as a legal consultant to numerous national and international organizations, supporting institutional capacity building, policy development and the protection of human rights, with a strong focus on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and equal access to justice. As the Legal Counselor of HOPE4Kids Albania, Rezarta ensures legal integrity, compliance, transparency, and data protection across the foundation’s work — driven by the belief that supporting children with cancer is not only a healthcare priority, but a fundamental human right for every child and every family in Albania.