Our History
February 20, 2020
Birth of Funsebas
Juan Sebastián was a boy with a bright gaze, the kind that reveals what is essential even in the midst of a storm. While battling cancer, he realized that other children like him were also fighting this battle... but many were doing so without the most basic necessities: without enough food, without clothes, without the support that would make their journey a little easier.
So Sebas began to share what he had—his food, his clothes, his few belongings. And so, from his own act of love, the spirit of what is now FUNSEBAS, la Foundation for Health, Study, Well-being, and Social Learning.
On February 20, 2020, in Bogotá, the Dra. Karen García, who decided to continue her son's legacy, together with her husband Cristian Vilaro and his family shaped that generous sentiment and turned it into a mission.
Since then, FUNSEBAS has been accompanying children and adolescents facing high-cost illnesses, as well as their families, providing them with emotional, financial, and human support. Because this foundation was born out of the purest love: that of a young man who, even in the midst of his own struggle, thought first of others.
September 21, 2020
Sebas is leaving, but he leaves behind an indelible legacy.
When Juan Sebastián embarked on his journey to heaven in September 2020, he did not leave entirely. His light remained here, transformed into strength, motivation, and hope. It was that light that drove his family and FUNSEBAS to continue his legacy, ensuring that his love would continue to touch lives.
Since then, every project undertaken by the foundation—Merry Christmas, Making Dreams Come True, Supporting Families, Active Lunches and Families in Mourning— has become a way to embrace hearts, ease paths, and keep the spark of hope alive.
Because even though Sebas is no longer physically with us, his spirit continues to guide every act of solidarity, reminding us that true love never dies: it simply transforms into actions that brighten the lives of others.
Year 2021
Funsebas opens its doors as a shelter
In 2021, FUNSEBAS began to realize one of its greatest dreams: to create a place where children and adolescents traveling to Bogotá for treatment could feel at home. A place where fear could rest and hope could find a warm bed to sleep in.
That dream began to come true thanks to a gesture of love. Esther Judith Nicholls de Monroy donated a house, thereby sowing the seed of a home filled with purpose. From that moment on, the foundation, under the tireless leadership of the Dra. Karen García, he devoted himself to building, from the ground up, a safe and protective space.
With the help of supportive companies, kind-hearted individuals, and the constant efforts of those who believe in this mission, the house took shape, brick by brick, until in 2023 The dream came true: a home ready to lovingly welcome those who come to the city seeking healing.
Year 2023
Funsebas CreaActiva is born
In 2023, FUNSEBAS took a wonderful step forward: it ceased to be just a shelter and became FUNSEBAS CreaActiva, a place where talents, smiles, and dreams flourish. A lively space, full of color and movement, where children, teenagers, and their mothers learn, create, and discover new ways to believe in themselves.
CreaActiva's doors were also opened to collaboration and networking. Universities such as El Bosque and San Mateo, and supportive companies such as Mapfre, joining forces with the foundation to offer free education, workshops, and training opportunities.
Thus, the mothers began to receive training and find paths to work and autonomy within the Economic Well-being Program, which seeks not only to support, but also to empower and transform lives. Because at CreaActiva, every lesson learned is a seed that sprouts hope.
Year 2025
We dream of being the first Comprehensive Center for children with cancer in Colombia.
Currently, FUNSEBAS works enthusiastically on the construction of the first Comprehensive Center for children with cancer in Colombia, a dream projected for the 2030, where medical care, emotional support, and well-being will come together under one roof.
But while that great dream takes shape, the foundation continues to sow the seeds of the future in the present. Today, the FUNSEBAS Youth Club grows as a space for guidance, learning, and companionship, where our teenagers are guided and accompanied by our social worker, discovering their talents, strengthening their confidence, and preparing to build a life full of purpose and opportunities.
Because every step we take brings us closer to that future where hope is not only dreamed of... it is also built.
