By Mark Asuncion
Photo Courtesy: Republic of Croatia, Ministry of Tourism and Sport
This June, as we celebrate National Cancer Survivorship Month, Croatian Eurovision star Marko Purišić also known as Baby Lasagna reminds us of the power of compassion and the essence of humanitarian aid.
Baby Lasagna was not just a crowd favourite, but he also made history as Croatia’s first-ever televote winner. Pre-contest buzz placed him at the top of the Eurovision Bookmakers’ charts, with a winning chance of 52%.
While Eurovision glory ultimately went to Nemo back in May 11, 2024, Baby Lasagna’s impact was undeniable. This excitement translated into a massive outpouring of support upon his return to Zagreb, Croatia.
A sea of Croatian fans cheers on Marko Purišić at his homecoming celebration in Zagreb
The Zagreb Main Square transformed into a sea of cheering fans as Baby Lasagna came home from Malmo, Sweden to compete at the 68th Eurovision Song Contest. The Eurovision star delighted the crowd with a rousing performance of his hit song, “Rim Tim Tagi Dim.” Clad in t-shirts emblazoned with the song’s iconic cat motif, supporters erupted in rapturous memorialization of his rocking performance in the Grand Finals of ESC.
Taking a heartfelt moment, Baby Lasagna expressed his gratitude for the phenomenal homecoming celebration. He acknowledged the significance of the event, marking Croatia’s highest Eurovision achievement ever.
Baby Lasagna’s generosity went beyond the stage. Offered a hefty 50,000 euro prize by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković for his historic Eurovision achievement, Marko showed his noble heart by redirecting the funds to children’s hospitals and cancer patients as posted in his Instagram story back in May 16, 2024.
Screenshot/Instagram/Baby Lasagna
On his Story, Marko says:
“I’d like to thank the Croatian Government for the monetary award in the amount of 50,000 euros. However, I cannot accept that money. I could give many reasons as to why I can’t, but the first, most important and sufficient one is that there are many other individuals and organisations to whom this money would be much more helpful.
I hereby ask Mr. Plenković to donate 25,000 euros on behalf of me and the Croatian Government to the Institute for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology. Furthermore, I’d like to donate the other 25,000 euros to the Institute for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation at KBC Zagreb. Thank you.”
Eurovision wins and placements may not come with any paycheck, but Baby Lasagna has proven that true rewards lie elsewhere. His moving decision to forgo a volume of euro government prize for himself and donate it to help support two very worthy medical institutions in Croatia aligns perfectly with the spirit of National Cancer Survivor Month.
Observed each June, this is a time to celebrate those battling the illness. Marko’s generous donation will undoubtedly help many undergoing treatment.
This wasn’t just a financial contribution, it was an influential statement. Marko understood the true appraisal of his achievement, and the cheers of the crowd and the adulation of fans were more precious than any crystal trophy and chart-topping hits.
He had already won the hearts of millions with his talent and, more importantly, his benevolent spirit. While raising awareness is crucial, Marko’s altruism aimed to make a tangible difference — by extending a lifeline to those battling the fiercest battles.
To further support those in need, particularly in the Philippines, please consider these resources:
- Philippine Society of Medical Oncology
https://web.facebook.com/cancerexpertsphilippines
https://psmo.org.ph/patients/patient-support-programs-and-groups/ - Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)
- Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)
- Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO)
https://www.papo.org.ph/
- KASUSO Philippine Foundation for Breast Care, Inc
https://web.facebook.com/kasusongpinay/?_rdc=1&_rdr
- Project Pink Stage Zero
https://web.facebook.com/stagezerobyprojectpink/?_rdc=1&_rdr
- Philippine Cancer Society
https://www.philcancer.org.ph/index.php/support/support-groups
