Help Rein receive lifesaving surgeries!

This is Rein! He is a sweet, brave, and determined 7 year-old boy from Tirana, Albania. He is a caring big brother to his little sister, and loving son of two devoted parents.

In 2021, when he was just 5 years old, Rein was diagnosed with a severe case of idiopathic pediatric scoliosis (deformation of the spinal cord). His condition, if left untreated, could lead to his spine crushing his organs, and ultimately result in heart and lung failure.

To avoid this devastating outcome, Rein must undergo approximately 12 spinal cord surgeries until he reaches adolescence. Specifically, he must undergo one surgery every 10 months until he is 16-18 years of age. He has undergone 3 surgeries so far. The surgeries must be performed in Turkey, as this is the closest hospital that can provide the necessary procedure, and they cost approximately 7,000 EUR (10,225 CAD) per surgery.

Rein’s parents work tirelessly, each consistently working double shifts in order to scrape together just enough money in time for his next surgery. Rein’s mom is an ICU nurse and his dad is a translator. Due to the low hourly wage in Albania (Rein’s mother makes just 8 EUR/hour), they cannot afford all of the treatment Rein will need over the course of his youth. His parents have exhausted every means possible to keep up with their son’s expenses for the first three surgeries (loans, charities, etc.) but ultimately have run out of options. This GoFundMe is their last resort to keep their son alive.

We kindly ask for help in raising 130,000 CAD so that Rein can get the lifesaving surgeries he needs. Any contribution would be a huge help in getting him one step closer towards recovery. All money raised will go directly towards Rein’s medical bills. If you cannot donate, we would greatly appreciate sharing this page.

On behalf of the Zeneli family, thank you for taking the time to read this and for your support.