THE STORY

Japandi Foundation: Transforming Lives through Cancer Support

Founded on December 8, 2023, the Japandi Foundation has its roots in the establishment of Rapunzel of Sweden in 2009. Ida and her mother, Anki, co-founded the foundation, initially known as Rapunzel vs Cancer in 2013. The foundation underwent a transformation in 2023 to become the Japandi Foundation.

Originating from a family deeply committed to helping others, Ida and Anki's personal connection to cancer, with their grandmother, mother, and aunts having battled the disease, fueled the foundation's inception. The vision was to contribute on a more personal level by promoting research and education in the field of cancer.

Under the initial name, the foundation, in collaboration with Rapunzel of Sweden, made significant contributions to organizations like Föreningen Ung Cancer and Föreningen Hjältarnas Hus in Umeå. Through an agreement with Rapunzel of Sweden, known for developing its own wigs, the foundation distributed 100,000 SEK each to Föreningen Ung Cancer and Föreningen Hjältarnas Hus in Umeå in the same year.

Awards were granted for efforts in wig development, with Ida serving as an ambassador for the Rapunzel Angel brand.

With total disbursements reaching 1,1 million SEK, the foundation continued its impactful work after the sale of Rapunzel of Sweden, rebranding as the Japandi Foundation in 2023 while retaining its core mission.

The Japandi Foundation, in its first board meeting in December 2023, expanded its leadership, initiated a website, and designed a logo. An event is scheduled for March 2024 to inform, generate interest, and seek donors.

The Japandi Foundation, founded by Ida and Anki, remains committed to transforming lives through continuous support in cancer research and education.

Selection of contributions (2013-2015)

• Ung Cancer: Aiding the psychosocial support for cancer patients aged 16-35, the foundation contributed 200,000 SEK.

• Hjältarnas Hus: Supporting a temporary home for sick children and their families, the foundation contributed 200,000 SEK.

• CancerRehabfonden: Assisting cancer patients in rehabilitation programs, the foundation contributed a total of 200,000 SEK.

• Barbro Linderholm's Breast Cancer Project in Tanzania: Supporting education and lectures on breast cancer at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, the foundation contributed 100,000 SEK.

Purpose

The purpose of the Foundation is to promote research for the development of treatments aimed at slowing down or curing cancer diseases. This is to be achieved by the Foundation granting funds to individual doctoral researchers, universities, or institutions. Contributions can also be made to institutions at colleges or universities. Grants may be awarded to the same researcher/research team on multiple occasions. In addition, contributions may also be made for education and teaching in the field of cancer diseases. Applications for grants are reviewed by the board.