Press Release: The Japandi Foundation Awards Grant to CancerMentor During Christmas Show in Gothenburg
Gothenburg, December 12, 2024 – During last night's festive Christmas show at Trädgården in Gothenburg, the audience witnessed a heartwarming surprise that touched everyone. Midway through the show, artist Erik Grönwall, who co-founded the podcast CancerMentor with Sofia Lilja, was unexpectedly brought onto the stage. He was surprised by Japandi Foundation's founder Ida Backlund, Secretary General Tove Dahl, and Sofia Lilja herself. They presented Erik and Sofia with a symbolic check and proudly announced that the foundation was awarding them a grant of 100,000 SEK in recognition of their invaluable work in providing mental support to cancer patients and their loved ones through their podcast CancerMentor.
Japandi Foundation founder Ida Backlund, artist Erik Grönwall and Sofia Lilja CancerMentor, Secretary General Tove Dahl
About CancerMentor
CancerMentor is a podcast created in 2021 after Erik Grönwall received a life-altering diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Erik is a well-known artist who won Idol in 2009 and was the lead singer of the band H.E.A.T for ten years. Following his diagnosis, he underwent a stem cell transplant, giving him a second chance at life. During his journey, he found immense strength through conversations with CBT therapist Sofia Lilja. Their collaboration sparked the idea of a podcast as a platform to share their experiences and offer support to others facing similar challenges.
By featuring conversations, interviews, and insights from experts, the podcast focuses on addressing a crucial gap in cancer care – the mental and emotional challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis. It aims to create a safe space for cancer patients and their loved ones to process these challenges.
The audience was treated to an unforgettable moment during the show when Erik and Sofia received the scholarship on stage, in recognition of their invaluable work in providing mental support to cancer patients and their loved ones.
The Japandi Foundation's Motivation
“CancerMentor plays a unique and vital role in offering mental support to cancer patients and their families. Through their podcast, Erik and Sofia have created a modern and accessible platform that helps people manage fear, anxiety, and other challenges related to the illness. We are honored to contribute to the continued development and wider reach of the 'Together Effect' that permeates their work,” says Tove Dahl, Secretary General of the Japandi Foundation.
CancerMentor's Statement After the Award
“We are incredibly grateful for the Japandi Foundation's trust and generous contribution to CancerMentor. This recognition truly touches our hearts. Thank you to Japandi Group for the most amazing Christmas gift ever. We will dedicate ourselves fully to maximizing the potential of CancerMentor to help as many people as possible,” says Erik Grönwall.
“I am deeply moved by the Japandi Foundation's support and their belief in our vision to provide mental support to everyone affected by cancer, both patients and loved ones. Their support validates both our work and the critical need for CancerMentor. By sharing our experiences and supporting each other, we can empower healing and liberation. We must do this together. A huge thank you to the Japandi Foundation for helping us shine a spotlight on the mental aspect of cancer and for enabling us to do everything we can to help people improve their quality of life and well-being,” says Sofia Lilja.
Ida Backlund, Founder of Japandi Group, Concludes:
“Witnessing Erik and Sofia's overwhelming joy and emotions upon receiving the foundation's support was truly magical! The audience responded with a standing ovation and tears of happiness. I am confident that this is just the beginning for CancerMentor. Together, we are stronger.”
The show at Trädgården in Gothenburg.
About the Japandi Foundation
The Japandi Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for cancer research and education, with the ultimate goal of defeating cancer.
Contact
Secretary General of Japandi Foundation: tove@japandifoundation.com
Apply for funding: anki@japandifoundation.com
Press & PR: evelina@japandihome.com
Instagram: @japandifoundation
Follow Erik Grönwall and Sofia Lilja on Instagram: @erikgronwall & @sofialilja
Podcast: CancerMentor
Photo & Film Teddy Koon Soy Soy