Prologue from C4C´s founder, Manfred Franke:
I think for the most part, members of the C4C team do not do what they do to earn praise and recognition. We do it because we know what we do is right and good and changes lives and thus, in a small way – it changes the world. That´s actually reward enough…
Most of our work probably goes unrecognized and sometimes it is even taken for granted. That´s OK, people are busy and time is often short.
But every once in a while someone will step out and will do the unprecedented und unexpected – like this head nurse of the Benesov hospital with her letter of appreciation to us. When it happens, it´s to us like water for a thirsty soul…
Read for yourself:
Dear Rafal, Martinka, Iva and all of you who visit the children’s ward of our hospital.
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you do for our small patients. You give them joy and put a smile on their faces. We all know the old saying, that “a doctor treats, laughter heals.” You also help children to forget they’re in the hospital. In a hospital where many children cannot be with their loved ones, where they suffer from pain and where they are often subjected to unpleasant procedures. From all this, you can distract not only the child, but also the attention of his entourage, which is also very important. After all, which mother would not want to be at home with her child as soon as possible, where so many other duties await her? Also for us, nurses, doctors and other medical staff, your presence in the ward acts as a huge source of positive energy that we all need in these difficult times.
Another thanks goes to you for the gifts you bring to our children. Whether it’s Lego bricks, coloring books, books or small gifts that you give children for their bravery it´s all a remedy for the pain caused by illness or painful surgery. Lego constructions are displayed on the side tables and kids are happy to take them home. And all children love coloring books as well as the book “Fairy tales to doodle by” (Pohadky k docmarani).
The clothing you brought is a great help for socially weaker families, which, thanks to the Charity you cooperate with, can be offered to kids by our staff. Unfortunately, there are families among us who, due to the poor social situation do not have the opportunity to provide children with what seems to us to be par for the course. Food, clothes, toys.
Our cooperation has been going on for many years now. You helped us with many events – whether it was events organized by our hospital or your presentation at the Pediatric Conference. I mustn’t forget the “Don’t be afraid of the hospital” project, of which you were an integral part. When I think back to our beginnings, to everyone involved in this project, I have a good feeling. A good feeling about something that costs nothing and that only requires a few enthusiasts. The result is satisfied children who do not have a hospital visit associated with a negative experience. They leave with a child-friendly feeling of a hospital, knowing that if they ever had to go back to the hospital, he would no longer be a stranger to them. It’s a shame that the pandemic has thwarted the continuation of children’s visits for a time.
During the time we’ve known each other, we’ve developed a friendly relationship, our work makes sense, and I’m sure something like a pandemic won’t stop any enthusiast from trying to help those in need.
With a friendly greeting and wishes of all good
Marie Marvanová, head nurse of the children ward in Nemocnice Rudolfa a Stefanie, Benešov
P.S.: Like all of C4C´s services, our clown visits to hospitals are free of charge and supported by YOU! Please consider becoming a “Friend of Dr. Clown and Chance 4 Children” by clicking here. Your support is much needed and appreciated to continue our work.
Thank you!
