A reflection of feelings

by Husna Inayathullah

It is heart rending when a child falls ill. It is hard for him or her and even harder for their parents and loved ones to bear the sad plight that befalls these innocent children.

Cancer is a dreaded disease and causes so much heartburn to the victim and family members. It is terminal in many instances. According to Cancer specialists, leukaemia in children, a type of cancer can be cured, if detected early.

Children love to paint and draw and express their feelings. Many in the children's ward at the Maharagama Cancer Hospital do likewise.

Dr Deepal Perera, Senior Consultant Paediatrician, Cancer Hospital, Maharagama who treats these children sent us some of their paintings for publication. They love to see their paintings displayed on the hospital notice board. Some of these children have passed away. It is a rather pathetic situation," he said.

Today we publish paintings by Kavishi, Kalpani, Sasini, Milan, Laseth, Nihinsa, Milan, Tharusha and Janith. Some of these children are not alive to see their paintings published but we trust that it will bring happiness to their family members.

Dr. Perera said, "Around 15,000 cancer patients are admitted annually to the Cancer Hospitals in Sri Lanka of which 300 are children.

They suffer from leukaemia, eye, kidney, liver and brain tumours which is one of the commonest cancers. Ninety percent of leukaemia patients are being treated but their lives cannot be assured.

Some of them pass away during the operation. Kavishi Nethmani was the first child from Sri Lanka who underwent a bone marrow operation successfully for leukaemia and is being treated at the Cancer Ward of the hospital."