Victory for Karolina: more than €2.1 million raised for gene therapy

We did it. After two years of fundraising, more than €2.1 million has been raised for the development of gene therapy for Karolina — a little girl from Slovenia living with Cockayne syndrome type B.

On 20 March 2025, a full Hala Tivoli arena in Ljubljana hosted the closing charity concert for Karolina. That single evening raised €167,197, bringing the total to €2,102,197 and carrying the campaign past its €2 million goal.

An evening of hearts

The concert was far more than a music event. Thirteen Slovenian musicians gave their performances for Karolina: Nina Pušlar, Ines Erbus, Bepop, Vila Eksena, Miran Rudan, Alfi Nipič, Vili Resnik, Isaac Palma, Manca Špik, SoulGreg Artist, Alex Volasko, Nina Mrak and Werner, with Tilen Artač hosting the evening.

The campaign had begun two years earlier, and the final push was launched around Karolina’s sixth birthday, when €65,000 was still missing.

What Karolina’s parents said

“There are no words to describe our immense gratitude and joy that we have finally reached the goal and raised even more than €2 million for the development of gene therapy for our Karolina. From the bottom of our hearts we thank all of Slovenia, which supported us so incredibly over these two years and showed such an enormous heart for our girl. Thank you to the stars and back to every single person who donated for Karolina and made it possible for a treatment to be developed for her.”

— Borut and Sabina Lavrič, Karolina’s parents

They added that the concert in a full Hala Tivoli was “truly beautiful and full of astonishing support”, and that they could not have imagined in their dreams that so many people would step forward to help.

A first for Slovenia

“The past two years of fundraising have been extraordinary, and that evening was unforgettable. When we started two years ago the challenge was enormous, but Slovenians once again showed and proved their golden heart, and we reached the goal. We can also be extremely proud because with this project Slovenia is, for the first time, enabling the development of a gene therapy for a rare genetic disease.”

— Dr. Nejc Jelen, President of the Viljem Julijan Association

Reaching the goal does not end the story — it starts the hardest part. The money funds research into gene therapy for Cockayne syndrome type B, work that is still at the preclinical stage. You can read what that research involves, and support it further.