Hospital clowns in Ukraine are bringing joy to young cancer patients who survived a Russian missile attack. Two months after Russia targeted Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital, some of the young patients who survived are being cheered up by the hospital clowns. These clowns, part of the “Bureau of Smiles and Support” (BUP) initiative, are providing much-needed moments of happiness for the hospitalized children.
Established in 2023 by Olha Bulkina and Maryna Berdar, who have over five years of hospital clowning experience, BUP took on a new significance following the Russian missile strike on Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv in July. The attack forced the evacuation of young patients, including those with cancer, to other hospitals in the capital. The clowns actively assisted with clearing the rubble and supporting the children after the attack.
Volunteer hospital clowns like Tetiana Nosova and Vladyslava Kulinich are part of BUP and visit multiple hospitals in the Ukrainian capital region, including the National Cancer Institute. These clowns aim to distract children from their illnesses and provide moments of laughter and joy. In a city facing nightly air raid alerts and power outages, the presence of these volunteers is greatly appreciated by overworked medical staff and parents.
Despite the challenging circumstances in Ukraine due to missile strikes and power outages, the hospital clowns’ work has gained strong support from medical professionals. The World Health Organization has warned of a deepening public health crisis in the country, exacerbated by attacks on healthcare facilities. The clowns’ efforts are crucial in helping children cope with fear and pain during their medical treatment.
Parents of the young patients express gratitude for the clowns’ ability to bring back smiles and joy to their children’s faces. The clowns not only help distract the children but also create a supportive and uplifting environment in the hospitals. As Ukraine continues to face a mental health crisis and ongoing attacks, the work of these hospital clowns becomes increasingly vital in providing comfort and solace to vulnerable patients.