Newsletter. January 2009

Dear friends,

The beginning of this year was filled not only with festivities, surprises and gifts, but also with less pleasant cares. The last months turned to be rather difficult for all of us, but we were able to fulfill the most treasured dreams of many Children's Hospice patients. It is surprising, but we received even more New Year’s gifts this year than in the past. Cordiality and compassion are obviously not dependent on the world’s upheavals, financial crises and other troubles. The economy in Russia is as troubled as it is in other countries.

Unfortunately, the condition of some Hospice patients continues to worsen. Doctors and nurses are rendering the necessary medical help and counseling, social workers and psychologists try to fill the lives of the children with positive emotions and to support the families.

We are very grateful to the organizations of our city which helped our children spend the New Year's vacations cheerfully and thus relieved the monotony of their lives.

In first half of January, the famous Russian circus performer Mstislav Zapashny invited our children to attend his show “Magic lamp of Aladdin” free of charge. It was especially pleasant that the families living in distant towns of Leningrad region also received the opportunity to go to the circus.

Free attendance to the performance “Cat’s house” by Kuklachev Cats Theatre was another gift for the children. This colorful, interesting entertainment left many vivid impressions. One of our patients dreamed to visit this show, but was not able to go out from home at this time. Jury Kuklachev called her on the phone, congratulated on New Year’s holidays and sent her (through our social worker) a gift with his autograph.

Then our children watched the performance “12 months” at Komissarzhevskaya-Theatre. Both the children and their grown-up relatives enjoyed the play. Many parents were surprised that a children's fairy tale turned out to be filled with a serious sense and spoke about love, kindness and eternal renewal of life.

The Saint-Petersburg Shostakovich Academic Philharmonic Society arranged a journey into the world of music especially for our patients. The children were led through concert halls and got acquainted with the sounds of some rare musical instruments.

Our old friends from Akhmatova-Museum invited us to take part in their master-classes and interactive exhibitions. Children attended the world of New Year's fairy tales, participated in competitions and made New Year's gifts for their friends.

In this issue of our bulletin we would like to tell you about Anna Dmitrieva, a Children’s Hospice nurse. Anna has been working in our hospice for 3 years. She has become a close contact for many families who can always call her and ask for counsel and help. Due to her high professional expertise and personal qualities, Anna is in charge of the most severely ill patients. The children love her very much for her friendliness and cheerful character. Her calmness and efficiency cause parents to like and trust her.

The holidays have ended, we continue to work and to visit children, and we do our best to keep that New Year's atmosphere of miracles, kindness and joy throughout the whole year.

We are happy that we can share our small successes and achievements with you and to tell you about the typical situations which face our employees on a daily basis. We hope that what you have read touches both your heart and your soul. Please share this joy with your friends and pass this newsletter on to some of them. If any questions arise, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to hear from you.

Yours faithfully,

Fr. Alexander Tkachenko, Children’s Hospice, January 2009
Detski Hospis/Children’s Hospice