Honouring a legacy: the Prof. Dr. György Fekete Bursary

Professor Dr. György Fekete was more than just a medical adviser to the Robert Burns International Foundation (RBIF). For over 25 years – almost since the very beginning – he was a trusted voice, a wise guide, and a passionate advocate for children’s healthcare in Hungary.

A renowned geneticist, he helped shape the future of paediatric medicine in the country, but by dedicating countless hours to the RBIF he also ensured that every forint raised by the foundation made its way to the right hospitals, the right departments, the right professionals, and most importantly, the right children – always at the right time.

The Prof. Dr. György Fekete Bursary was created not only to preserve his memory but to keep his mission alive for generations to come.

Why the Prof. Dr. György Fekete Bursary matters

When Professor Fekete passed away, the loss was felt deeply – not only within the RBIF, but across the entire Hungarian medical community. He left behind a legacy of excellence, compassion, and tireless dedication to paediatric genetics.

In his honour, the RBIF has set up a bursary that aims to continue what he started: nurturing the next generation of Hungarian doctors who are committed to paediatrics and genetics. This is more than a financial award – it’s a pathway for young physicians to follow in the footsteps of one of Hungary’s most respected medical minds.

Following in the Professor’s footsteps

The Prof. Dr. György Fekete Bursary is unique in its focus. It’s not open to just any medical professional. It is specifically designed for:

  • Practising physicians currently working in paediatrics
  • Those who have chosen to specialise in genetics

This mirrors the career path of Professor Fekete, ensuring that his approach to medicine continues to inspire new leaders in the field.

From Hungary to the world – and back again

Professor Fekete himself benefited greatly from international exposure. Over the course of his career, he undertook three separate research trips abroad – twice to Germany, and once to the United States. These experiences broadened his perspective and equipped him with knowledge and insight that he brought back to Hungary, ultimately benefiting thousands of young patients.

The Prof. Dr. György Fekete Bursary seeks to offer the same opportunity to today’s young doctors. The funding enables recipients to pursue short-term study or research visits abroad, with the clear goal of gaining new knowledge then returning home to capitalise on it and make a lasting difference in Hungarian healthcare.

A legacy that lives on

At the RBIF, we believe the most meaningful way to pay tribute to the life of the Professor is to continue his work. The Prof. Dr. György Fekete Bursary is a living and growing initiative that will bring opportunities to doctors and drive continued innovation in the field of paediatric genetics in Hungary.

We are proud to support this next generation of medical professionals, and prouder still to do so in the name of someone who gave so much to our Foundation – and to Hungary.

Learn more or apply

To learn more about the Prof. Dr. György Fekete Bursary, including application criteria and deadlines, please visit the official bursary page here.

Supporting special-needs pupils in Pécs

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As part of our SME Sponsorship Scheme in conjunction with HFI Kft. one of Hungary’s leading food processors, in 2024 we ventured down to Pécs for the first time, with the purpose of helping a network that provides vital help for children with learning disabilities in the region.

The Pécs Éltes Mátyás EGYMI institute educates and raises children and students with learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, visual, mobility and hearing impairments, autism spectrum disorders and other mental disorders. Their disability is due to inherited or acquired neurological problems, which often cause them to become exhausted, anxious or irritable during lessons, and they need a quiet, calm and safe place to learn.

Kornélia Finta, head of the institute, contacted the RBIF with the aim of creating an “Island of Tranquillity”, a place where the children can retreat to, relax, recharge, and then in a better psychological state, re-engage with their lessons and activities and reintegrate into their group or classroom.

The “Island of Tranquillity” has several functions. There are rooms for both relaxation and to release tension, including items like a hammock chair, helping to relax the muscles, soothe the child and induce a relaxed state, a tent with LED lights, particularly useful for children who, because of their sensory needs, need to withdraw from the “world”. A relaxation armchair with a colour-changing standing and reading lamp: the rocking of the armchair has a calming effect on the nervous system, where the child can read, look at pictures or relax. The standing and reading lamp next to the armchair can be changed in brightness and colour by means of a remote control. The different colours have a therapeutic effect, depending on the acute or chronic problem of the child. The rooms can also be darkened, while carpets and cushions contribute to the comfort. – explained Ms Finta.

 

In addition to the room for retreat and relaxation, the donation was used for a playhouse in the courtyard for mixed-age groups of children with autism, intellectual and learning disabilities aged 3-6 years.
The wonderful-looking house is a delight for all children and can be used in a variety of ways. Its size allows several children to play together, and doing so helps them socialise, develop communication skills and creativity.

For role-playing, we furnish the house with a variety of tools that stimulate children’s imagination, capture their attention and engage their imagination. They can hide in the cottage or simply relax.

The network also has a primary school for the mentally handicapped, which has a large percentage of pupils that cannot speak intelligibly, have severe language and speech impairments and have no other viable communication channel to replace speech. Some of the donation was used to purchase equipment to initiate communication between the children and their helpers. The tools are used to arouse children’s interest in communication.

We give them the opportunity to make choices through communication, and in time they will be able to express their wishes, and thus become calmer, more balanced and happier.

2023 Sponsor of the Year, Corinthia Hotel Budapest

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At the 27th Annual Burns Supper held on 27 January 2024 at the Corinthia Hotel we were delighted to announce that the 2023 Sponsor of the Year of the Robert Burns International Foundation was Corinthia Hotel Budapest. We caught up with Eric Pere, General Manager, to ask him about the hotel’s connections with charity and the RBIF.

Please tell us a little bit about your company and its mission. How did you get involved in sponsoring the RBIF?

Corinthia Budapest, part of the Corinthia Hotels portfolio, is a historic landmark in the heart of Budapest. Our mission is to provide exceptional hospitality experiences while playing an active role in supporting our local community. We are dedicated to blending tradition with innovation, creating memorable stays for our guests while contributing to the well-being of those around us. Our partnership with the Robert Burns International Foundation stems from a shared commitment to making a difference. The RBIF’s dedication to supporting healthcare and child welfare aligns with our own values. Over the years, we have participated in events and initiatives that raise funds and awareness for their important work, and we take pride in being part of a network that fosters positive change in Hungary‎.

What made you choose our organisation as a sponsorship opportunity? Were there any specific goals or values that aligned with FirstMed’s objectives?

We chose to collaborate with the Robert Burns International Foundation because of its longstanding commitment to improving lives through healthcare and child welfare initiatives. Your organisation’s focus on impactful, community-driven projects aligns seamlessly with our corporate values of care, compassion, and local engagement. Supporting the RBIF allows us to contribute to causes that resonate with our team and guests, ensuring that our sponsorship not only reflects our core values but also delivers tangible benefits to those in need.

As the Sponsor of the Year, what benefits have you gained from your partnership with our organization? 

Being named Sponsor of the Year by the Robert Burns International Foundation has been a tremendous honour and a testament to the meaningful collaboration we share. This partnership has provided us with the opportunity to strengthen community ties, to engage our team and guests, to reinforce our values and also to increase visibility.

Sponsorship often involves a financial commitment. What advice would you give to other companies considering sponsoring similar organizations? 

Partnering with the RBIF is a chance to do something truly meaningful. The foundation’s work in healthcare and child welfare makes a tangible difference, and being part of that is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about the financial commitment – it’s about investing in our community and showing our values in action.  The benefits, such as enhanced reputation and stronger community ties, often extend far beyond the immediate donation.

Looking ahead, do you have any plans or goals for your continued involvement with our organization or similar sponsorship opportunities? How do you envision our partnership evolving in the future?

We are looking forward to continuing our partnership with the Robert Burns International Foundation in the years ahead. We’re eager to explore new opportunities for collaboration and are excited about the potential to make an even greater, lasting impact together.

Are there any specific projects, initiatives, or causes within our organization that you are particularly passionate about supporting? If so, could you explain why they resonate with you?

The RBIF actively builds partnerships with companies and organizations in Hungary to expand its fundraising efforts, and Corinthia Budapest is proud to be a part of this mission. We are particularly passionate about supporting projects that improve healthcare access and provide assistance to vulnerable children. By contributing to these initiatives, we aim to build a more equitable and nurturing environment for future generations while directly improving individual lives.

How do you measure the success of your sponsorship efforts? Are there any key performance indicators or metrics you focus on to evaluate the impact of your involvement?

Success is reflected in the positive impact created within the community and how closely the partnership aligns with our mission to build meaningful connections. The impact of RBIF’s initiatives, the engagement of our team and guests, and the strengthening of our reputation as a socially responsible organisation are all key indicators. Ultimately, it’s about contributing to lasting and positive change that supports the foundation’s mission and benefits the lives it touches.

Finally, is there anything else you would like to share with our audience about your experience as the Sponsor of the Year or any message you would like to convey to other potential sponsors?

Being recognised as the Sponsor of the Year by the Robert Burns International Foundation is both an honour and a testament to the power of collaboration for a greater cause. To other potential sponsors, I would say this: partnering with the RBIF is more than just an opportunity to give back – it’s a chance to join a compassionate and impactful community.  Your support can drive meaningful change while deepening your connection to the values that matter most.

Oxygen therapy in Hódmezővásárhely

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As in the past six years, the Robert Burns International Foundation made a significant donation to the Infant and Children’s Department of the Hódmezővásárhely-Mako Health Care Centre in 2024. Together with the 1.2 million HUF donated this year, the total amount of donations so far exceeds 7 million HUF. This year’s project was again achieved with the help of Inter Relocation.

According to Dr. Ferenc Papp, head physician at the department:

We believe we have used the funds carefully and in the most useful way possible, and that each year we have acquired diagnostic and/or therapeutic medical equipment that has contributed significantly to improving the quality and safety of neonatal, infant and paediatric care at our department. One important criterion in selecting the equipment was to use it to treat as many children as possible, so this year we purchased an oxygen therapy device.

The AIRVO2 device is designed to deliver high flow nasal cannula therapy (HFNC). This non-invasive ventilation method delivers a high flow of heated and humidified oxygen-air mixture into the patient’s nose through a special nasal device to facilitate breathing and ensure adequate oxygenation. It has many advantages over conventional oxygen therapy and often avoids the need for intubation and invasive ventilation. The high flow rate improves the effectiveness of oxygen therapy, the warming and humidification help to clear the airways and reduce the risk of nasal mucosal damage. HFNC treatment can be used in children of any age, including newborns, with the right size nasal device. The treatment is gentler, more comfortable and better tolerated by children compared to other airway therapies.Thanks to the device donated by the RBIF the children’s department can add this valuable test to its diagnostic portfolio.

The concentration of inhaled oxygen can be easily varied and read on the display, which also shows the set temperature and flow rate values. Operating the device is relatively simple and quick to learn, with a dedicated child mode. Its compact size makes it easy to carry or to place on a rolling stand for mobility. The nose device is made of soft silicone, with a material and design that ensures comfort of use and a stable fixation.

HFNC treatment is mainly used in children, especially infants, who develop mild to moderate respiratory distress due to bronchitis (acute bronchitis or bronchiolitis), chiefly caused by a viral infection. The most common causative agent is the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can affect many infants in epidemic form from autumn to spring, and many of whom may develop respiratory failure requiring hospitalisation. Formerly premature infants are particularly at risk of severe infection. During an epidemic, several RSV-infected infants may require HFNC treatment in the department each week, which is why it was particularly important to purchase an additional unit to the one already in place. This will allow two children to be treated at the same time.

With the equipment we have purchased, we can provide HFNC treatment for infants and newborns or even older children in the above-mentioned pathologies in our department, thus avoiding the need to transfer these patients to another institution. Our department has once again acquired a valuable and useful device that will be of therapeutic assistance to many patients, for which we are grateful to the Robert Burns International Foundation and its supporters.

“The marathon will humble you”

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50th BERLIN Marathon 2024

Berlin-Chicago-New York City-Tokyo-Boston-London. The holy grails for runners, and if you’re really serious about running, you want to run them. The Berlin Marathon is part of the world’s 6 most prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors. I ran the New York City Marathon in 2019, my first marathon in the year after my treatment for breast cancer. It was a cathartic experience, beyond being a bucket list item.

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This is my 10th year running, I now have 4 marathons, 7 Ultramarathons as a team and countless half marathons behind me, along with other prestigious Hungarian races. You can enter the Abbott Marathons either by running a qualifying time, which is not an option for me, taking part in a lottery, or by volunteering as a fundraiser, where you make a donation to the charity of your choice.

I entered the 50th anniversary Berlin Marathon as a running ambassador for the Suhanj! foundation, where I pledged to raise at least HUF 500,000 by the time of the race.

I had wanted to go for years, and since the spirit and aims of the Suhanj! foundation are close to my heart – they’ve been helping disabled children get moving for over 15 years – I applied knowing I was unlikely to succeed. At the same time, I knew that if accepted, I could certainly complete the distance and reach the target amount, because I raise funds for all my major races, and I have always asked for support to treat sick or underprivileged children, or to improve their quality of life. So far with success.

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That’s why I’ve been helping the RBIF for 8 years now as a volunteer administrator, because giving is the best thing to do.

In the months leading up to the race I was looking for sponsors, so of course I asked the Robert Burns Foundation if they could stand by me to support the Suhanj! Foundation’s sports centre in Budapest to provide professional coaching for disabled children. And the Board placed their faith in me!

From there, it was just a matter of running. I was so grateful, excited and proud to be there in Berlin, where I was one of 55,000 runners starting the 26 miles. I had the Suhanj! Foundation on my running gear, which gave me extra strength, I had a mission. Their slogan is “we give strength”, and this gave me super energy.

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The big marathons are running festivals. Almost every nation in the world is represented, and millions of supporters line the route, giving encouragement, refreshments, playing music and cheering. It’s a great celebration for us runners, where, apart from the elite athletes, it doesn’t matter how long it takes you (within the 8-hour time limit), because you gain experiences along the way that set you up for the future. The sporting value is high, the distance is said to be superhuman.

I completed the distance in 4 hours 40 minutes, but what I came away with was the experience of a lifetime.

With the support of my followers and the RBIF’s funding of 1.000.000 Ft, I was able to raise a total of HUF 1,742,000 to secure the services of a professional coach for the Suhanj! children for over 3 months!

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I am extremely grateful that the RBIF supported me, believed in what I stand for, trusted in my performance, and so we were able to contribute to the additional conditioning and developmental exercise of many children by qualified coaches!

Thank you RBIF, thank you Berlin, go Suhanj!

Bernadette Kellermayer RBIF Admin, volunteer fundraising running ambassador, breast cancer survivor

 

 

Modern ECG equipment for Mezőtúr

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The Children’s Department at the rural hospital in Mezőtúr, in eastern Hungary has been a beneficiary of assistance from the Robert Burns International Foundation for a few years now, and 2024 was no different.

The department is led by Dr. Ferenc Antal:

Once again, I would like to express my sincere thanks on behalf of the Children’s Department of the Mezőtúr Hospital and Clinic and the children of Mezőtúr and its surroundings for the fourth time that the Robert Burns Foundation has supported our department. We are also delighted that you placed your faith in the children’s department of this disadvantaged area once again, contributing to its safe operation.

This year, the RBIF was asked to finance the purchase of new ECG equipment. Small rural hospitals often do not have specialist consultants available, and so they have to seek temporary or permanent solutions locally.

Dr. Antal told us that their ECG equipment was technically outdated and due for replacement.

Thanks to your support, this has now been accomplished, and the new ECG appliance can help our work and patient care at all times, making it more reliable. What is equally worthy of note is that the new device also helps with diagnostics in the case of patients over the age of six, thanks to its built-in artificial intelligence.

On behalf of our staff, we would also like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for enhancing our work and the safety of patient care.

Improved treatment of jaundice at Péterfy Sándor Utca Hospital

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The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Péterfy Sándor Street Hospital in Budapest is one of the largest level-2 NICUs in the country.

Each year, the unit cares for between 500 and 600 premature infants, with a capacity to accommodate 20 to 30 babies at any given time.

For the past decade, the Robert Burns International Foundation has been a generous supporter of the unit, making regular high-value donations to help the medical team provide safer and more effective care for these vulnerable patients, significantly enhancing their daily operations.

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In 2024, the Robert Burns International Foundation donated HUF 5 million for use in various fields. One area was the treatment of jaundice, a common ailment in premature babies, so part of the funding raised at the Burns Supper was used to buy a transcutaneous bilirubinometer.

Dr. Boross explains:

The degree of jaundice in newborns has so far only been determined by blood tests. The transcutaneous bilirubinometer enables the level of bile in the blood to be determined without having to resort to using needles and syringes. This saves the little patients (and nurses) from having to give/take blood samples several times a day, and the procedure is much faster, more cost-effective and more beneficial in every way.

In terms of treatment, the RBIF donation also funded the purchase of a bilirubin lamp. This modern piece of equipment allows the medical staff to treat neonatal jaundice more effectively, and for shorter periods, which is much more convenient than the procedure previously employed with older devices.

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With over 500 babies passing through the department every year, keeping textiles and linen clean and hygienic is one of the main priorities. So when it transpired that the main washing machine had broken down, the RBIF donation was able to finance a quality Miele washing machine that is designed to cope with such workloads.

With the professional washing machine, we can wash the newborns’ clothes and bed linen in the ward in a hygienic way – added Dr. Boross.

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Finally, the 2024 donation was rounded off with 2 new medicine cabinets as well as 10 new breastfeeding chairs and stools, equally important parts of the furniture in such an important department of the Péterfy Sándor Street Hospital.

Crucial accessories for emergency care on the road, Peter Cerny Foundation

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In 2024 we once again reached out to the Peter Cerny Foundation, a charitable organisation based in Budapest that has been operating now for 35 years with the prime objective of saving premature babies in the Central Hungary region. With staff numbering around 35 they perform vital work in ensuring babies get the essential care they need at the right time.

Following discussions, the PCF asked for our support in various ways. Firstly, we helped put a new and fully equipped ambulance on the road. The funding provided by the RBIF helped to install a vital hydraulic load-lift in the ambulance, which is used to lift the incubators in and out of the vehicle. Safety is obviously paramount during the use of these ambulances, and the generous support of the guest and sponsors at the January 2024 Burns Supper was crucial in making this happen.

But our assistance didn’t stop there. The success of the 2024 event enabled us to finance the purchase of nasal equipment, breathing circuits and humidification chambers that are essential for the daily rescues of neonatal babies and for transporting ventilated patients between hospitals.

Peter Cerny Foundation director Barnabás Lendvai:

These pieces of equipment are very expensive to purchase, and the public funding we receive from the state only covers 62% of our operating costs (2023 figure). The grant kindly donated by the Robert Burns International Foundation has covered our needs in this area for about 1 month of the year, which we thank you for, especially on behalf of the premature and sick newborn babies that we save.

The Peter Cerny Foundation operates as a public provider offering a service that is not fully covered by the state, ensuring life-saving care for newborn babies born unexpectedly outside of the hospital environment, but requiring specialised treatment. They are on call day and night, but with only 62% funding for running costs, they are unable to operate without direct support from companies and organisations as part of their social responsibility frameworks.

“Selfless donations such as the one provided by the RBIF covers the purchase of special equipment for this life-saving care of premature babies, often weighing between 400 and 1000 grams, so we are extremely grateful to the guests and sponsors of the RBIF.”

 

RBIF donations used daily by patients and medical staff in Vác

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Following a first and successful donation in 2023 for the Jávorszky Ödön Hospital in the city of Vác, just north of Budapest, the Foundation Board of the RBIF decided to continue its support of this health-care institution that performs vital work in the region.

 

Dr. Ila Veronika, chief physician and head of the paediatric department, was delighted upon hearing news of the next round of assistance funded by the guests and sponsors of the Burns Supper, and soon came back to us with their wish-list.

In 2024 the children’s ward of the hospital in Vác received two high-quality beds and two very accurate and reliable scales, significantly improving the level of care offered to newborns and young children.

The beds are comfortable and easy to use, thereby helping patients recover more quickly. The nurses, for their part, find the beds very easy to clean and maintain, which is not an insignificant consideration. – explained Dr, Veronika Ila.

The scales purchased by the Robert Burns International Foundation from the 2024 donations are extremely accurate and are crucial for measuring the volume of breast-feeding in newborn babies.

According to Dr. Ila,

these scales allow even the smallest changes in weight to be reliably monitored, whether it’s a loss of fluid or the amount of breast milk taken, these volumes cannot be measured in any other way.

Such equipment is essential for tracking crucial changes in the health of newborns, adding that these donations directly contribute to improving daily operations at the hospital. The RBIF’s continued focus on providing practical, life-saving tools has strengthened its relationship with the hospital, ensuring a brighter future for paediatric care in the Vác region.

The equipment and furniture financed by donations from the RBIF are used by the patients and the medical staff in the children’s ward every day, helping to make a real difference to the quality of care.