Newsletter August, 2008

Dear friends,

In August the majority of Hospice employees had vacations, nevertheless children with severe health conditions were regularly visited.

OUR LOSSES

On August, 4th, Sasha T. passed away. We grieve for him and express our sorrow to his close people.

EVENTS

In August some of our patients came back to the city from sanatoria and health centers. We arranged several interesting activities for them so that the summer in the city would not seem boring to them.

In August our children twice visited an entertaining complex where they could play with slot machines to their hearts’ content and could participate in an interesting children's program.

A long-awaited gift for our little patients was visiting a cartoon film studio where a popular Russian cartoon serial «Smeshariki» was being created. An entertaining program and gifts were prepared for the children. Together with their favorite characters, children participated in competitions, they played and had fun. At the end of excursion new, recently finished series of the cartoon film were shown to the children.

PATIENTS

Our patient Vsevolod awaits a severe marrow transplant operation. We learnt that Vsevolod had dreamt of a helicopter flight and we presented him with this opportunity. The boy received great pleasure from the flight. We want to believe that the received positive emotions would help him to go through the surgery successfully and to recover.

On one lovely day of August we arranged a two-hour excursion by motor ship. Channels, ancient houses, and a trip to the delta of the Neva River left indelible impressions.

EDUCATION

An important part of our work is constant professional development and improvement of professional skills. Two of our employees took part in a training seminar in a fairy-tale therapy workshop. They received theoretical and practical skills on application of this therapy in their work with sick children.

HOSPICE FACILITY

The impatiently awaited facility of Children's Hospice is being constructed very quickly. Not long ago we had to apply for numerous permits and authorizations. And now the ground floor is already finished. The quickness of construction work in every respect has been determined by energy of our Head Physician - Eugenie V. Chistyakov. He is young yet, but he had gained an invaluable experience of practical work during his service in medical troops of Russian army. Since Eugenie has entered our team, our medical institution is in reliable hands for everyone’s benefit. We hope that we will meet the next Knowledge Day (School beginning day in Russia on September 1st) in the new house constructed due to this resolute, firm, and energetic man who can be also very careful, attentive and loving.

We were glad to share with you our ups and downs. Many of our projects could not be realized without your help. Our cordial thanks to you for support of Children's Hospice!

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 and send this newsletter to some of them. If any questions arise, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Yours faithfully,

Fr. Alexander Tkachenko, Children’s Hospice, August 2008
Detski Hospis/Children’s Hospice