For 15 years, a project in Barcelona has been a vital support for families facing childhood cancer. La Casa dels Xuklis, located in the Montbau district, offers temporary accommodation to those forced to leave their hometowns so their child can receive treatment. This solution has allowed hundreds of families not only to stay close to medical centers, but also to maintain a sense of normalcy during a difficult time.
As El Pais notes, since its opening in 2011, more than a thousand families from various regions of Spain have found shelter here. Most of them are residents of small towns and villages where specialized clinics are unavailable. For many, moving to Barcelona is the only chance for their child’s recovery, but it comes with significant practical and emotional challenges.
Life next to the hospital
La Casa dels Xuklis is just a few minutes’ walk from leading medical centers — Vall d’Hebron and San Joan de Deu Pediatric Cancer Center. This allows families to avoid travel time and always be close to their child. The house has 25 rooms of about 30 square meters each, designed for four people, each with its own bathroom and terrace. This setup provides privacy and comfort, which is especially important during long-term treatment.
The project is funded by donations and community support. According to El Pais, maintaining one room for a year costs around 15,000 euros. The house is managed by the Association of Families and Friends of Children with Cancer of Catalonia (Afanoc), which has been supporting families affected by childhood cancer for almost 40 years.
Support and new traditions
La Casa dels Xuklis offers more than just accommodation. The center organizes psychological support, creative workshops, and therapeutic activities for children and their parents. Every evening, volunteers host sessions designed to distract from the hospital routine and create a cozy atmosphere. The house features a shared kitchen, dining area, play zones, and a special room for privacy and meditation.
The project is symbolized by the Xuklis characters—small hand-shaped figures that, according to the creators, represent support and hospitality. Over its 15-year history, the house has become more than just temporary lodging: it is now a community where families find new friends and support during difficult times.
Stories of change
Former residents include teenagers who have faced rare and serious diagnoses. For example, 16-year-old Irene from Tarragona, who battled a unique type of tumor, says that being close to her family and participating in the life of the house helped her cope with her challenges. Such stories serve as examples for other families just beginning their treatment journey.
Doctors and hospital social workers decide who can move into the house. They assess whether a family needs to be near a medical facility and help them organize the move. This allows for a quick response to the needs of patients and their loved ones.
Context and new initiatives
In recent years, Spain has seen the emergence of new projects inspired by the experience of La Casa dels Xuklis. Similar homes for families with children battling cancer have opened in Madrid and Valencia, and a similar initiative is under discussion in Andalusia. These centers are becoming an important part of the support system, helping not only with everyday matters but also with the psychological adjustment to life away from home.
According to russpain.com, such projects are helping to set new standards for social support in healthcare. They allow families to avoid facing problems alone and create conditions for more effective treatment of children. In the coming years, the network of such homes is expected to expand across the country, which could change the approach to supporting families facing serious diagnoses.
