91download.com supports a wide range of platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Dailymotion, Reddit, Bilibili, Douyin, Xiaohongshu and Zhihu, etc. Click the download button below to parse and download the current video
Imagine the heartache of a parent whose child is diagnosed with cancer—a diagnosis that is harrowing enough on its own. Now, what if that child were diagnosed in a war zone? For many children in Ukraine, this is the tragic reality they face. Amidst the chaos of conflict, they must battle not only their illness but also the brutal circumstances that threaten their lives.
Meet Demetric, a young boy whose battle with cancer took an unexpected turn when Russian bombs forced him and his family to leave their doctors and their homeland behind. They had an opportunity to start treatment abroad, and they chose a hospital in Germany, believing it provided treatment at the European level. Demetric's mother, with two older sons, had dreams of a future where they would all be together again, but the terror attack by the Russians shattered those dreams.
Demetric, diagnosed with leukemia in June, had already begun treatment when a Russian missile struck the hospital, claiming several lives. Despite the tragedy, reconstruction work has started, and doctors continue to treat patients. The blast wave damaged half of the wing intended for intensive chemotherapy, yet the medical staff persists, ensuring that children like Demetric can continue their treatment. Some families have chosen to leave for another country, facilitated by the Ukrainian government, the World Health Organization, and the European Commission.
These cancer patients, with compromised immune systems, are transported in buses equipped with infection prevention control measures. The journey to Poland's airport is long, but Demetric is excited to fly for the first time. His father asks him to wave from the sky, unaware of the length of their separation. They plan to keep in touch via Viber, clinging to the hope that Demetric's survival rate, over 80% for his type of cancer, will see them through.
Dr. Katarina Bulavin, a health expert with UNICEF Ukraine, speaks about the attack on the Okad Children's Hospital in Kiev. The attack was devastating, not just for the children and their parents but also for the staff and the entire country. The importance of continuing treatment cannot be overstated, as interruptions can be catastrophic for families already grappling with immense stress.
In the midst of war, the question arises: do patients needing special treatment often have to be transferred abroad? Initially, many patients were evacuated, including to Germany, thanks to collaboration between the Ukrainian and German health ministries. However, the decision to seek treatment abroad is a difficult one for families, who may not want to be far from loved ones.
Despite the challenges, the Ukrainian healthcare system remains functional, albeit under immense pressure. The staff is stressed and often burnt out, facing the constant fear of missile attacks. UNICEF is working to support these medical professionals, providing psychological support and spaces for rest within the hospitals.
In a world where cancer meets war, the resilience of the human spirit shines through. The journey of little Demetric and his family is a testament to the hope that persists even in the darkest of times.
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook