WORLD
A converted hotel in Poland is caring for children whose treatment was disrupted by the war
At a converted hotel in Poland, pediatric cancer patients from Ukraine and their families come in to rest.
Dawid Zielinski for The Wall Street Journal
The families spend a few days at the Unicorn Marian Wilemski Clinic in the town of Bocheniec before continuing on to medical centers as far away as the U.S. for treatment.
Pawel Kuczynski/AP
Upon arriving at the makeshift clinic, young patients receive a white stuffed unicorn with a colorful mane.
Piotr Polak/EPA/Shutterstock
More than 600 children and their families have passed through the clinic, a handful bound for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., which is coordinating the effort.
Piotr Polak/EPA/Shutterstock
Healthcare is under duress inside Ukraine, which has suffered more than 100 verified attacks on healthcare facilities, workers and ambulances since the fighting began.
Piotr Polak/EPA/Shutterstock
An international group of doctors, officials and advocates is working to maintain care for cancer patients inside the country and among the millions of people who have fled.
Piotr Polak/EPA/Shutterstock
Their work includes communicating with cancer centers in Ukraine as well as gathering intelligence and coordinating care for refugees. Much of the effort relies on connections among individual health centers and on personal relationships between doctors and patients, friends and families. The situation often changes by the hour.
Oleg Rudnitskiy arrived in Bocheniec, Poland, with his wife and children after fleeing Ukraine. His son’s kidney cancer is in remission.
Dawid Zielinski for The Wall Street Journal
When the Rudnitskiy family packed up their car and drove to Poland, they were hoping to get food and a bed at the clinic. They also found toys, games, books and staff members who were still able to crack jokes. “In my mind, I only keep this kindness,” Mr. Rudnitskiy said.
The Rudnitskiy family boarded a bus for the Netherlands. Mr. Rudnitskiy said they are holding out hope for a return to Ukraine when they are able to manage his son’s care back home.
Dawid Zielinski for The Wall Street Journal
A worker at the clinic, right, hugged a refugee before she departed.
Dawid Zielinski for The Wall Street Journal
Produced by Siemond Chan
Cover photo by Dawid Zielinski for The Wall Street Journal