26-04-2024 12:59
“When we first traveled this way without a vision, without expectation, just the road ahead... We never expected the final destination to be an oasis, where the thirsty quench their thirst, the weary find rest, the fallen find support!!! An oasis where you forget everyday problems, thanks to an environment that seems like from another world! A place that makes you feel at home, even though you're far from home!” – an exert from the book of impressions of the Rehabilitation Center for Children with Oncohematological Diseases.
What is this place that excites its guests so much? Located about an hour from Sofia, in the Municipality of Kostinbrod and near the village of Opitsvet, amidst greenery and fresh air, seven cottages, united under the name "St. Stylian," have been helping children who have gone through cancer, along with their families, for 4 years now. The place is called the Center for Children with Oncohematological Diseases and has been operating with the support of the Local Development Program of the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area in Bulgaria.
Why is it important for such a place to exist? Margarita Borisova, manager of the Association "Children with Oncohematological Diseases," tells us: “Every year in Bulgaria, between 150 and 200 children are diagnosed with cancer. Their treatment lasts for about 2 years, and for some, it's a process that lasts a lifetime. Psychological help after the end of the active part of the treatment is very important. Time alone does not heal. Help is needed.”
Since its opening on September 14, 2020, the center has welcomed 102 families, many of whom have visited multiple times. Children aged 0 to 25 years old, their families, siblings, as well as parents who have lost a child in the battle with cancer, are welcome. They stay between 3 and 7 days, and are welcome to come again.
The center provides very good facilities – a kitchen with professional staff who prepares a delicious menu throughout the day, an indoor swimming pool, many indoor and outdoor games. Even more important - the entire stay is completely free of charge.
As part of the project, the association's team visits Italy and Norway, where similar centers exist. The conclusion is positive: “We are not falling behind with our approach,” Mrs. Borisova notes. The Municipality of Kostinbrod, which provided 13 acres of municipal land and supports the association all the time, makes an important contribution to the existence of the center.
In addition to the good conditions, the environment itself is very important, the detachment from doctors, hospitals, and procedures. This is facilitated by time in nature, work with psychologists through games, engagement in various forms of art, and many other exciting activities. Among them are taking care of fruits and vegetables grown in the nearby garden, bike rides, organized culinary academy, visits to the nearby horse farm, meetings with animals from the circus wintering in the neighboring village, rowing boats in the nearby reservoir, talents night, and more. All these experiences and the friendships give children the opportunity to have the childhood that the illness seemed to have taken away from them before.
We discover their enthusiasm also in the book of impressions, which we will quote again:
"If someone had told me that such a place existed, I don't know if I would have trusted and believed it. Here we found friends – caring, compassionate. Here we found peace. Here we found understanding. Here the long-held tears flowed with relief. Here beauty and happiness are in every blade of grass, in every room, in every glance, because it was conceived and created for our children and for us."
In addition to helping children who have fought the tough diagnosis of "cancer," the center also supports their parents, siblings. Meetings are organized for parents who have lost their children, seeking an answer to the question - how to continue with their lives from now on?
And for a finale, more words from the children:
This is the place where
unnoticeably the child recovers,
in games, in laughter, in jokes
a place full of love and toys.
We build friendships, stable bonds,
we receive help to be strong.
a time when you feel significant,
filled with motivation, purpose, to continue.
Thank God for meeting you,
I will keep you deep in my heart!
May you all be healthy and successful.
I will come back again, please don't judge me.
