Grigoreta Mares

Help Grigoreta continue her fight against cancer

Grigoreta is a dedicated animal rescuer from Romania who is facing an ongoing battle with metastatic breast cancer.

In March 2024, she was diagnosed with breast cancer with bone metastases and began intensive treatment. Thanks to the incredible support received during the first fundraising campaign, the initial treatment costs were mostly covered. During this same period, her husband Iulian also faced his own cancer diagnosis and is now recovering after surgery.

This new campaign supports the next phase of Grigoreta’s treatment. One year later, despite previous therapies, new bone metastases have appeared and require urgent medical care.

She now needs to begin a new stage of treatment, including targeted therapy that is not covered by the public health system and must be paid privately.

By supporting this campaign, you become part of her next battle with cancer — helping her access essential treatment and continue moving forward.

Donate now to support Grigoreta in the next phase of her fight against cancer:

[email protected]

Donate in EURO

Beneficiary: GRIGORETA MARES
IBAN: RO37RZBR0000060026170909
Currency: EUR
Bank: Raiffeisen Bank
Swift code: RZBRROBU
Beneficiary address: Str. Iancu Capitanu nr. 22, 021364, Bucuresti

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has donated for Grigoreta

693 € / 120.000 €

Phase 1 of Grigoreta’s treatment — what we achieved together in 2024 - 2025

Thanks to your generosity in the first fundraising campaign (2024 – 2025), most of the initial costs of Grigoreta’s breast cancer treatment were covered.

This support made it possible for her to begin life-saving therapies, including intensive treatments and follow-up care that would otherwise have been out of reach.

During this same period, her husband Iulian also faced his own health challenge and underwent surgery as part of his recovery. Your contributions helped both of them through an incredibly difficult chapter.

Now, Grigoreta faces a new phase of her illness, with new bone metastases requiring further treatment. Because these next therapies — including targeted medication not covered by the public health system — must be paid privately, we have launched this new campaign for the next stage of her care.

Thank you for your compassion and lifesaving support. Every donation makes a real difference.

Donations raised in 2024–2025 for Grigoreta

62219 € / 80000 €

Donations raised in 2024–2025 for Iulian

15921 € / 55000 €

Grigoreta & Iulian contributed greatly to the welfare of animals in Romania:

of castrated dogs and cats

dog and cat adoptions

of rescued animals

Who is Grigoreta Mares?

Grigoreta Mares is the co-founder of the non-profit organization Helping Animals Romania – HAR, established in Bucharest in 2010. Over the years, Grigoreta has dedicated much time and effort to helping as many animals in need as possible.

Helping Animals Romania – HAR is an organization aimed at providing homes for as many abandoned animals as possible and facilitating their adoption. The Island of Hope, the shelter of Helping Animals Romania, is also a permanent home for many sick, old, or disabled animals that can no longer be adopted.

Grigoreta has made significant contributions to the welfare of animals in Romania: HAR has neutered over 10,500 dogs and cats, found adopters for over 11,000 dogs and cats, and rescued over 12,000 animals in need. Grigoreta is an example of passion and commitment in animal welfare. Without her tireless dedication, Helping Animals Romania – HAR would not exist.

Grigoreta has always prioritized the life and well-being of animals over her own needs, often making significant personal sacrifices. But now she needs our help. A severe breast cancer diagnosis requires complex and expensive medical treatments. The lives of the dogs and cats depend on Grigoreta’s life – without her, the shelter cannot continue to exist, and the future of the animals is uncertain!

Please donate now to support Grigoreta so she can continue to be there for the animals that would have no hope without her. Every donation makes a difference! 💖🙏

Who is Iulian?

Iulian is not only Grigoreta’s beloved husband, but also one of the quiet pillars behind HAR and the Island of Hope. His constant presence, dedication, and hard work have helped ensure that countless sheltered animals were kept safe, cared for, and given a chance at a better life.

Over the years, Iulian has rescued, transported, and protected more animals than can ever be counted. He has spent endless hours tracking frightened souls, gaining their trust, and guiding them to safety. Many animals are alive today because of his patience, determination, and compassion.

In 2025, after standing by Grigoreta throughout her battle with cancer, Iulian faced his own diagnosis and underwent major surgery. Today, he is recovering, step by step, supported by medical care and the strength he has always shown for others.

While Iulian’s health is now on a path of recovery, Grigoreta is entering a new phase of her treatment, which requires continued medical care and financial support not covered by the public health system.

Their journey reminds us how fragile life can be — and how powerful solidarity is. Standing with Grigoreta today also means honoring everything they have both given to others.