Olivia needs 35,000 euros more for rare disease treatment
Thursday 5th November 2026 on 18:01 in
Latvia
A further 35,000 euros is needed to buy medicine for Olivia Rusecka, a girl from Jelgava with a rare genetic disease, LSM reports. The charity Ziedot.lv says donations have already raised 220,000 euros for her treatment.
Olivia’s disease has left her unable to speak. The medicine is intended to slow its progress. After the manufacturer provided updated information, the cost was found to be 15,000 euros higher than initially expected.
The first dose has been ordered, and Olivia has undergone the procedures needed to receive it in hospital. Therapy will begin once the medicine arrives in Latvia, Ziedot.lv head Ruta Dimanta said. She appealed for further donations, adding that contributions of five or ten euros could help ensure the treatment is available for six months.
The state previously allocated 30,000 euros for Olivia’s medicine and instructed the State Agency of Medicines to negotiate with the manufacturer over the price and possible inclusion of the medicine on the state-reimbursed list.