6 October 2008

BELGIUM -- On the occasion of the 15th edition of 'Children's Cancer Day,' some 525 children and their families spent the day at Planckendael Animal Park, near Mechelen, to try to forget their worries for a day Sunday. The event this year included cancer patients and their families from all over Belgium.

Organised by the Cancer Society, the national Children's Cancer Day targets the young sufferers of the disease and their families. According to paediatricians working with children who have cancer, it's important for the children to have a break from their disease.

These children spend a lot of time in the hospital, they do not go to school and they therefore do not have much social contact.

The aim of Children's Cancer Day is to forget their worries for the day and have fun. This year the initiative was a huge success with some 525 cancer patients and their families turning out despite bad weather conditions.

For children who have trouble walking, alternative transportation was provided.

Visit from the Smurfs

Apart from visiting Planckendael Animal Park, the children were included in the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Smurfs. The little blue creatures with a big white hat are the creation of Peyo (Brussels-born Pierre Culliford).

The organiser of the event, Karel Verbist, was amazed at the success of the 15th edition of the day. When he started the initiative for his sick son some 20 children were invited. 15 years later the event drew more than 1500

[flandersnews.be / Expatica]

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