Two friends, both eight-year-olds, were engrossed in a game of carom in a playroom at Tata Medical Center as they waited for more children to arrive.

They are all regular visitors to the New Town hospital, where they are undergoing treatment for cancer, but on Saturday they were there for a magic show — a Children’s Day gift from Make a Wish Foundation, in association with Sananda.

The 30-minute magic show had the children laughing and clapping. After the show, they were given colours and sheets of paper to draw.

“Art and laughter help heal better,” said Arpita Bhattacharya, a senior paediatric oncologist, who stressed on different levels of counselling for both parents and children.

“We treat children suffering from cancer mostly as outdoor patients. They are admitted to the hospital only during a medical procedure or if they are ill. They are advised to stay near the hospital and lead a regular life even during treatment,” Bhattacharya said.

Art has helped boost the confidence of these children, according to doctors.

“The children often show more resilience than their parents, post diagnosis. We usually educate the older kids and teenagers about their illness and the course of treatment. Art boosts their confidence. We also use their artwork for greeting cards and calendars, the proceeds of which go to the hospital’s playroom,” Bhattacharya added.

Paediatric oncologists at the hospital said greater community support could go a long way in helping these children heal faster.

“Sixty per cent of our young patients are diagnosed with some form of blood cancer. Most of

them can be treated if diagnosed early and if they receive the proper support. The cost factor often deters parents from continuing treatment. Around 20 per cent of parents are too scared post diagnosis to return for treatment. Some cannot afford the two-year maintenance treatment required for acute lymphocytic leukemia. Parents need more support groups and community help to complete their child’s treatment,” Bhattacharya added.

The treatment cost for leukemia can go up to Rs 10 lakh in six months for some patients.