Kyiv Children's Hospital Recovers After Missile Strike, Young Cancer Patient Triumphs
Okhmatdyt, Ukraine's largest children's hospital, rebuilds after a devastating Russian missile attack. Amidst the chaos, a young cancer patient named Dima celebrates remission and departure, symbolizing hope and resilience.
In a poignant display of resilience, Dmytro Dorontsov, a 4-year-old cancer patient known as Dima, celebrated his remission and departure from Okhmatdyt, Ukraine's premier children's hospital in Kyiv. This joyous occasion came in the wake of a harrowing Russian missile strike that had threatened the lives of 627 sick children just months earlier.
On July 8, 2023, a long-range Russian missile traveled over 1,500 miles to strike Okhmatdyt, causing significant damage and casualties. The attack, widely condemned as a war crime, resulted in two fatalities and injured 300 people, including eight children. The incident forced the temporary relocation of hundreds of vulnerable patients with severe medical needs.
Despite the devastation, the hospital's oncology department remained relatively unscathed, allowing Dima and other cancer patients to continue their treatments. Dr. Serhii Liashenko, a pediatric oncologist, recounted the harrowing moments during the attack:
"A thought flitted through my head that this was the end of my life. This was it. But then the shock passed and I started acting, helping kids."
The missile strike highlighted the intersection of personal medical struggles with the broader context of war in Ukraine. Dima, who had been battling cancer since before Russia's February 2022 invasion, found himself facing both internal and external threats to his survival.
In the aftermath of the attack, Okhmatdyt's recovery efforts showcased the determination of its staff and patients. By early September 2023, repairs were underway, though scars of the assault remained visible. The hospital's director general, Volodymyr Zhovnir, reported to the UN Security Council that 24 departments had been damaged, with repair costs estimated in the tens of millions of dollars.
Amidst the ongoing challenges, Dima's farewell party symbolized hope and perseverance. As he chased bubbles and made a final wish before his departure, the young boy embodied the resilience of children facing adversity in war-torn Ukraine.
The attack on Okhmatdyt serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of war on vulnerable populations, particularly sick children. Yet, the hospital's ability to continue providing critical care, including complex procedures like pediatric heart surgeries, demonstrates the unwavering commitment of medical professionals in the face of conflict.
As Ukraine continues to grapple with the realities of war, the story of Okhmatdyt and its young patients stands as a testament to the human spirit's capacity to find joy and hope even in the darkest of circumstances.
