Ukrainian Parents Are Transfusing Their Own Blood to Help Their Children with Cancer

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As the war in Ukraine intensifies, parents of children battling cancer are facing unimaginable challenges. With hospitals becoming makeshift bomb shelters, these families are fighting not just the disease, but also the chaos around them. The conflict has turned the basements of children’s hospitals into areas of refuge, where the sounds of gunfire and explosions often drown out the cries of frightened children.

Dr. Oksana Petrenko, a pediatric oncologist at a hospital in Kyiv, shared with NBC News that the war has severely disrupted medical supplies, leaving many children without essential treatments. “These kids are in a race against time,” she explained. “Their fight against cancer cannot pause, even as war rages outside.” Since the invasion began, numerous children have suffered from a lack of medications and life-saving procedures, causing heartbreaking statistics to emerge — at least 16 children have died, and many more are at risk.

In a desperate move to save their children, some parents have started transfusing their own blood to their sick little ones, a practice driven by the critical shortages at medical facilities. Julia Sokolova, director of a charity focused on child cancer support, noted the gravity of the situation: “For some families, this is their only option as traditional medical resources dwindle.”

While evacuation is one option, it brings its own risks. “I can’t guarantee safety outside the hospital,” Dr. Petrenko remarked. “The uncertainty is terrifying.” Efforts to transfer patients to hospitals in western Ukraine or even to neighboring Poland are increasingly fraught due to the ongoing conflict, complicating vital care for the most vulnerable patients.

One particularly heartbreaking case involves a newborn diagnosed with leukemia, struggling to survive amid the chaos. “Every day is a battle for her life,” Sokolova lamented. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, medical staff like Dr. Petrenko remain determined to help their patients, refusing to abandon their posts even in the face of peril.

As the situation continues to unfold, various organizations are rallying to support these families. The Tabletochki Charity Foundation is actively raising funds and resources, and those wishing to contribute can explore various options through their website. Other groups, including the Ukrainian Red Cross and UNICEF, are also working tirelessly to provide aid.

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In summary, the dire circumstances in Ukraine have forced parents of children with cancer to take extraordinary measures, including transfusing their own blood to provide care. With hospitals overwhelmed and resources scarce, the fight against both war and disease continues for these courageous families.