Superheroes deliver festive gifts to young Kosovo cancer patients at Pristina hospital

Alpine climbers dressed as superheroes have abseiled down the side of Kosovo University Hospital to deliver Christmas gifts to children battling cancer.

As the year draws to a close, many families eagerly anticipate the joy and togetherness of the Christmas and New Year’s festivities.

But, for seven children, part of the 49 cancer patients admitted this year, battling leukaemia and other types of cancers in a hospital ward in the capital Pristina, this season comes with uncertainty, fear and hardship.

However, a remarkable initiative involving superheroes clad in unique costumes brought unexpected joy, not only to the children but also to their parents.

Popular fictional characters like Superman, Spiderman, Batman, Super Mario, Superwoman, Captain America, Bumble Bee and the Flash became a powerful symbol of hope for the children.

"You cannot describe (the feeling) with words. This is my fourth year that I am (taking part) in this activity," explained volunteer Berat Kajtazi, who came dressed as Captain America.

"The first one was something special, so each year I cannot wait to participate to do something for these children. So you cannot describe it with words. It is a special, special feeling."

The hospital setting, often associated with clinical sterility and emotional struggles, was transformed into a place of wonder and laughter when volunteers dressed as beloved superheroes climbed down in ropes to take gifts to the children.

Their mission was simple: to bring joy, hope and a moment of respite to the children and their families.

"It is a very good event for the children because they love these characters and dream about them everyday," said Rufadie Macastena Maxhuni, the head of the oncology department.

"Today, when I came to do the morning check I told the kids that there will be a surprise for them and that they would get a present from the superheroes that they like. That brings them such great joy."

The volunteers climbed down the side of the hospital using ropes and later visited the ward to deliver gifts.

For the children, the arrival of these heroes meant stepping into a world beyond IV drips, chemotherapy sessions and endless tests.

Their faces lit up with delight as they received thoughtfully chosen gifts and shared hugs with their favourite characters.