The Associação Saúde Criança Renascer (ASCR or Renascer) was founded in 1991 by Dr. Vera Cordeiro - General Practice, specialized in Psychosomatic Medicine. It is a non-governmental, non-profit, non-political and non-religious organization.

The constant admission/re-admission cycle of children treated at the Hospital da Lagoa, in Rio de Janeiro - who were released without having the necessary structure to continue their treatment at home - was cause for indignation among the health professionals in the hospital. Many children were re-admitted to the hospital in a more serious condition, sometimes leading to death. This scenario brought together doctors, nurses, and members of the civil society who decided to create this association.

Renascer's main objective is to restructure the families of those children, giving them means to achieve self-sustainability. In order to do so, a Plano de Ação Familiar - Family Action Plan (PAF) is developed. It comprehends five major areas: health, income, housing, education, and citizenship.
Nowadays, Renascer works with the vital support of around 140 volunteers and over 38 employees who care for 250 families and 850 children and adolescents.

"Our dream is to see this action being reproduced throughout all public hospitals in Brazil. And, ideally, in all the areas of the world where this kind of problem occurs."
Vera Cordeiro - Founder of Renascer

Dr. Vera Cordeiro is Fellow ASHOKA, Leader AVINA, Social Entrepreneur SCHWAB FOUNDATION and SKOLL FOUNDATION and Board of PATH