Hospital clowns bring joy to young Ukrainian cancer patients who survived Russian missile attack

(29 Sep 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Kyiv, Ukraine - 23 September 2024
1. Various of actors Tetiana Nosova and Vladyslava Kulinich donning clown suits to visit children in oncology department at Kyiv Children's Hospital
2. Clowns putting on masks
3. Clowns playing music and singing in oncology department corridor
4. Clowns dancing in front of door
5. Clowns playing for mother and young girl
6. Clowns playing ukulele in front of eight-year-old patient Kira
7. Various of clowns teaching Kira how to play the ukulele
8. Clowns and Kira blowing bubbles
9. SOUNDBITE (Ukrainian) Daria Vertetska, mother of Kira, who is receiving treatment in Kyiv Children's Hospital oncology department: ++CONTAINS VARIOUS ANGLES++
"We were looking out the window and saw the explosions. We decided not to go out because she was sleeping, so soundly, she had been feeling unwell. But when we saw the black smoke from the window, we decided to leave the room, and just then the impact happened. Kira was on the bed, and the glass fell on her. She was injured by small shards of glass on her head, arms, and legs. It was truly terrifying at that moment."
10. Kira playing ukulele
11. SOUNDBITE (Ukrainian) Daria Vertetska, mother of Kira, who is receiving treatment in Kyiv Children's Hospital oncology department:
"The children are learning to joke around. They lift the spirits a bit. Today, Kira saw a ukulele and wanted one for herself. These little moments are so nice for the kids."
Kira: "And you’ll buy it for me?"
Daria: "I’ll try to find a ukulele for her now."
12. Clowns playing with Kira during clay masterclass
13. Kira making figure out of clay
14. Daria painting clay figure
15. Kira and clowns making figures out of clay
16. Kids, parents and clowns during clay masterclass
17. Various of damage to exterior of Kyiv Children's Hospital from Russian missile
18. Entrance to Kyiv Children's Hospital oncology department
19. SOUNDBITE (Ukrainian) Valentyna Mariash, head nurse of oncology department:
"At the moment the rocket hit, we were in the hospital. I work every day. When the rocket arrived, we were with the children; we took them all to the shelter and stayed with them."
20. Mariash in her office
21. SOUNDBITE (Ukrainian) Valentyna Mariash, head nurse of the oncology department: ++CONTAINS VARIOUS ANGLES++
"They (the clowns) help the children shift their focus, making them forget about their pain and not pay attention to the nurses and medical staff who are performing procedures. They provide psychological support, helping the children recover psychologically more effectively."
22. Sign on fence reading (Ukrainian) "Warning! Entrance is closed. Danger to life"
23. SOUNDBITE (Ukrainian) Maryna Berdar, co-founder of Bureau of Smiles and Support public organisation:
"For me, this is the key to a healthy childhood. If a child feels genuine support from adults and understands that it’s possible to experience positive emotions even in the hospital, there will be many fewer moments of sadness."
24. Close of Berdar's hands
25. Berdar seated in front of damaged hospital
26. Various of Bureau of Smiles and Support co-founder Olha Bulkina seated in front of damaged hospital
27. SOUNDBITE (Ukrainian) Olha Bulkina, co-founder of Bureau of Smiles and Support public organisation:
"What these children have gone through is truly horrific. Being there for them and helping them live again after everything they've experienced is our mission now."
28. Various of damage to hospital
STORYLINE:
Their costumes are put on with surgical precision: Floppy hats, foam noses and bright clothes.

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