A Day of Compassion: BelSU’s Future Pediatricians Visit Emerald City Hospice

This trip, led by Alina Balakireva, assistant professor in the Department of Paediatrics at the BelSU Medical Institute, was organized to coincide with the Day of the Neonatologist. During their visit, the medical volunteers engaged with hospice patients by taking them for a stroll around the centre. Meanwhile, they organized games and master classes in card making and origami for the siblings of young patients. This allowed their mothers to enjoy a relaxing massage from certified massage therapists, who are also student paediatricians, followed by a yoga session guided by volunteers.

“Walking the ‘road’ to the ‘Emerald City,’ witnessing everything first-hand, and sharing a piece of our hearts with the mothers made me realize that we accomplished something truly meaningful,” said Alina Artyushenko, a third-year paediatric student and coordinator of the Paediatrics special project within the Volunteers-Doctors movement. “From the very first moment, I felt the warmth, care, and love that permeate this place. The hospice staff are real angels on earth; they do everything possible to ensure that children and their families feel supported despite their challenging circumstances. I was especially moved by the hospice’s atmosphere: there is no room for despair here. Instead, they teach you to cherish every moment, find joy in the little things, and support one another. This is a place where life continues, no matter what!”