Nepal—BCH Children’s Oncology
Photography Narendra Shresthra/Two Worlds Cancer
Seven-year-old Udrisya sits quietly, cradled in his older brother’s embrace.
Udrisya and the children in the beds nearby are receiving treatment for cancer at the Pediatric Care Unit of Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, east of Kathmandu in Nepal.
Dr. Sushma Gurung is the only pediatric oncologist at the hospital. Each day she meets with patients and their families and on this day is joined by Two Worlds Cancer volunteers Dr. Natasha Datoo and nurse Melanie Hameluck on her patient rounds. Their visit is part of our ‘Closing the Circle’ initiative and a joint venture between Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, BC Children’s Hospital (Vancouver, Canada) and our Sunflower Children’s Network.
Background
Two Worlds Cancer Collaborations relationship with Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital originated with a twinning project – Partners in Compassion – between Nanaimo Hospice in Canada and the palliative care unit in Bhaktapur. Each year doctors and nurses from the Canadian hospice visited to mentor and support the palliative care staff in Bhaktapur.