A small playground in Toronto is a safe haven for a group of Ukrainian children and their mothers.
There is laughter and joy when children play with slides and throw balls. Great outdoors seem to have provided a comfortable place since arriving in Canada.
"I like nature," says Ivan. "Forests, lakes, rivers". The 17-year-old is one of nine children receiving cancer treatment in a hospital for sick children. Many Ukrainian children arrived at the end of March with their mothers and siblings through a special evacuation program.
CTV National News met with a family of five who feel they have settled in Canada.
"Thank you for being here," Invaka said through an interpreter. She arrived here with her three sons.
When Russia's invasion of Ukraine began, her son Ruslan had a hard time getting cancer treatment.
"It was a great horror," she said. "They couldn't predict what would happen."
She said that being in Canada brought her great joy, and her boy could make new friends and learn a new language. I said I could.
Dr. Sarah Alexander, a pediatric oncologist who is treating one of the Ukrainian patients, says the group is on track and all medical care is on schedule. But the biggest impact on doctors was the support of the community and the resilience of the family.
"I think there are two highlights. One is a profound example of the resilience and ability of children and families to navigate complex things," said Dr. Alexander. "And the in-hospital and out-of-hospital communities are really gathering for help. I think both of these were great things to watch and participate in."
The support of that community is Ukraine. It is now possible from organizations such as the Parliament of Canada (Home-Official Website of the Ukrainian Parliament of Canada (UCC)) and Megan's Hug (Meagan's HUG (meaganshug.com)). Financing for pediatric brain tumor research.
Meagan ’s Hug raised over $ 90,000 to support families and worked with other groups to help provide housing, food and clothing.
"It's heartwarming to see my family calm down, make special friends, and unite my mother on a very lonely and difficult journey," said Dennis Bebenek, founder of Megan's Hug. rice field.
Bebenek has spent time with his family through the tragic experience of losing his daughter since his family arrived. Bebenek is directly aware of the importance of community support.
"I think the best medicine for these families is love and help, and knowing that they are not alone."
Children certainly support it. Feeling, many are positively talking about the time so far.
Many people are enrolled in school and enjoy attending classes.
"I like the subject," said Maria, whose brother is being treated for cancer. “I have friends at school.”
It is these new relationships that give these families care, compassion, and hope. Ivan's face became excited and bright when he shared that the math teacher spoke Ukrainian.
When asked about the staff at Chic Kids Hospital, he said, "They work very hard and are friendly."
Most families say they plan to return to Ukraine, but for now, the focus is on maintaining the health and normal sensations of the child while in Canada.