Newsletter March 2008

Dear friends,

The time flies imperceptibly by. It is spring already though it is still cold outside and everything is covered with snow.

On the 8th of March we congratulated the mothers of our patients on Women's Day. Words are not enough to express our admiration for their courage and fortitude, which they daily demonstrate to us. The greatest gratitude for us is to see that we have at least eased their lives a little and presented some joy and happiness to them!

Our society unfortunately suffers from many sharp social problems. Many parents have no opportunity to provide their sick children with good food and costly medicines. Thanks to Joint-Stock Company "Empire Pharma" we have a possibility to help those families with low income, which are in the care of Children's Hospice. We support these families monthly with food products, medicines and sanitary-and-hygienic means. The mothers of our patients tell us that this help is very important for them as it allows them to provide the children with necessary treatment and care.

In March our patients gained a unique opportunity to visit a studio of Broadcasting Company «Petersburg-5th channel» during shooting a new youth serial film. They could see how difficult and interesting the filming process is and could talk to film director and to young actors.

Our children very much enjoyed an excursion in Mineralogical museum of St. Petersburg State University. First, it was interesting for them to visit one of the best universities of our city, and second, the travel to the world of stones itself was really interesting: before the excursion not everyone could imagine what treasures are hidden in the earth. We thank cordially to employees of the museum for arranging the excursion and for their help to our patients.

Our soccer fans had been impatiently waiting for the first month of spring as they were looking forward to going to the stadium again. And, though the day happened to be cold and windy, nobody wanted to miss the match against Football Club “Spartak” (“Spartacus”) from Moscow. Despite of strengthened security measures, Football Club "Zenith" provided even our patients using wheelchairs with the possibility to watch the game. Afterwards the children told us in raptures about the match and that they were lucky to have an opportunity to watch playing of both legendary teams.

Every month we arrange excursions in one of the most famous museums of St. Petersburg – the Ethnographical Museum “Kunstkammer”. Children examine dwellings and household articles of ancient people with great interest; they listen to stories about their life, customs and traditions.

If you would be told that the greatest dream of a girl is a usual wig, you probably would be surprised. But for the girls being treated in Scientific Research Institute of Oncology a wig means an opportunity to feel themselves as usual teenagers and to forget about their illness. The changes of appearance caused by chemotherapy are painfully experienced by girls. And optimism, self-confidence and good mood are very important for successful treatment.

Victoria and Daria waited for new wigs with impatience though they were very worried before trying them on. The girls wanted the wigs to look like normal hair. Masters managed their job very well. Victoria’s and Daria’s eyes began to shine when they watched themselves in the mirror.

On the 24th of March fans of pop-singer Maxim could visit her first big solo concert and talk to her after the show. Maxim didn’t only answer questions of our girls but she also let each of them be photographed with her.

On the 26th of March ten patients of Children's Hospice visited the storerooms of the Hermitage Museum where a fascinating excursion was lead for them. Children could see medieval icons from Pskov, a collection of carriages and furniture, huge tapestries. But the most interesting event of this travel for the children was an opportunity to sit in an armchair of 18th century and to examine the Turkish marquee of Catherine II of Russia on the inside.

13-years-old Alexei had a dream to meet the famous Russian boxer Nikolay Valuev. We managed to fulfill the treasured dream of the boy and to arrange a meeting with his idol. On the 2nd of March Nikolay visited the sick boy at home. He talked to Alexei and presented him with his boxing gloves. Valuev promised Alexei to invite him to a training session in the near future.

In addition, in March our patients have been to the Theatre of Young Spectators and to a bowling alley. They also have ridden horses in a horse-racing center.

In this issue of our newsletter we’d like to tell you about one of the most experienced employees of Children's Hospice - pediatrician Olga V. Kovgan. Olga is responsible for children living in the Leningrad region. Besides medical services Olga Kovgan provides parents with social counseling. Our Hospice is very lucky that we have a doctor with such a large work experience who provides medical support to a group of seriously ill children.

We have shared our small successes and achievements with you and told about things, which our employees face every day. We hope what you have read touches your heart and soul. Please share this feeling with your friends, send this newsletter to someone of them. If any questions will arise, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Yours faithfully,

Fr. Alexander Tkachenko, Children’s Hospice, March 2008