Free Accommodation for Kids with Cancer in Ukraine

Dear friends,

thank you for supporting Dacha Center for Ukrainian kids with cancer.

Today I would like to tell you about Vikusia, Little Viktoria, whose smiling face greets us every morning when we come to the Dacha. She is only four years old and half of her life she spent at the hospital. When she was just one year old her mom noticed a swelling in her nose and brought her to the doctor immediately. There were a lot of different diagnoses before the doctors eventually understood that they were dealing with cancer. Vika underwent painful treatment with surgeries and chemotherapies and then returned home. However,it was not the end of her suffering.

From time to time Vikusia came for regular medical checkups and she always got free accommodation at the Center Dacha. One of such visits brought bad news: a recurrence was detected. The girl had to start therapies all over again. The only good news was that the treatment protocol could be performed in a day hospital regime. It meant that she didn’t need hospitalization and could remain at the Dacha with her family. She could remain in her favorite room that was cozy and clean and with flowers on the windowsill. 

In spite of all their hardships Vika’s family is very optimistic. The girl’s mom Zhenia supports everybody at the Dacha Center, especially new families who start treatment for the first time. When Dacha guests sit at the dining table together Zhenia tries to involve them into a conversation, to answer their questions if they have any, to encourage them. Vikusia is like her mother, she is very sociable and always ready to play with other kids who may be shy, to show to newcomers what toys and games there are in the Dacha playroom and in the yard.  

During the first three months of this year 49 families like Vikusia’s got free accommodation at the Center Dacha, 12 of them came here for the first time. All the rooms available are almost always occupied. Most children stay at the Dacha with both parents or with a mother and a grandmother. Dacha is a unique opportunity for such families to stay together in a homelike environment where they feel comfortable and safe. Your generous contributions help making it possible. Thank you!