As children deal with a cancer diagnosis, they need something to distract themselves as they prepare for the prick of a needle, or the uncertainty of a hospital stay. Play helps kids “be kids” by giving them a sense of normalcy in their lives. That’s why, when the Malabar Cancer Center in the state of Kerala, India, opened a new pediatric oncology unit, Director Dr. B. Satheeshan, envisioned a more child-friendly facility equipped with a movie theater and a children’s library.
We, as Lions, can contribute to the care and cure of children with childhood cancer…
He shared his vision with Lion Dr. Rajiv Sridharan, and the director’s vision struck a chord with Dr. Sridharan and Lions in District 318-E.
“Pediatric cancer is different from adult cancer in the sense that most childhood cancers are treatable and curable,” said Dr. Sridharan, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) coordinator for the district. “But the journey is quite painful, and—for children—the experience can be quite traumatic.”
That’s why his district applied for an LCIF Childhood Cancer grant to alleviate as much pain as possible for children and make Dr. Satheeshan’s vision a reality.
LCIF awarded the district a US$32,025 Childhood Cancer grant, and a US$5,000 District and Club Community Impact grant, making the total contribution to the project US$42,700 when combined with the district’s support.
With the grant funds, the hospital built a digital theater for children with a state-of-the-art projector and 4D Dolby audio system. Children now watch cartoons, movies and motivational sessions by famous personalities to lift their spirits and distract them as they receive their chemotherapy treatments at the chair administrated by trained hospital staff. The grant funds also supported an air-conditioned conference hall for 50 people and a children’s library filled with books.
“The concept of the entire new pediatric cancer block is to make their stay at the hospital a pleasant experience as long as possible,” Dr. Sridharan said. Each wing of the hospital includes a unique theme such as a forest, ocean and mountain theme with “3M” wall stickers to depict each theme. The colorful wings help children feel more at home and distracted by the sterile hospital setting.
While the job of the physicians and health care professionals is to diagnose and cure childhood cancer, Dr. Sridharan said Lions can help ensure that children are less traumatized when they return to normal life after treatment.
“We, as Lions, can contribute to the care and cure of children with childhood cancer in many ways, such as establishing and supporting diagnostic and treatment facilities, supporting the family of children, taking care of a child’s nutritional needs, and projects like the one we established, which make their stay at the hospital as pleasant as possible,” Dr. Sridharan said.
More than 300 children at the center will benefit from this project every year. Learn more about the LCIF Childhood Cancer grant at lionsclubs.org/ChildhoodCancerGrant or make a donation to support LCIF at lionsclubs.org/donate.
Elizabeth Edwards is a content specialist for Lions Clubs International Foundation.
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