FORGOTTEN AND FRAIL CHILDREN FIND YOUNG FRIEND AND HELPER

THEN, OCTOBER 1997: A young American Christian was bringing help and hope to Ukrainian children and teenagers suffering from the deadly legacy of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster of 1986.

Twenty-two-year-old Dawn Davidson had become friend and encourager to scores of young cancer patients - some not much younger than herself - fighting the diseases resulting from the accident, which spread radioactive dust across large parts of the region.

Three times a week the Youth With A Mission workers visited the Ukrainian Research Institute of Oncology and Radiology in Kiev, which annually treated several hundred of the most severe cases stemming from the world's worst nuclear accident.

During her visits, Davidson talked with the young patients and their families, prayed for them, and offered any practical help she could. Donations from Germany helped her provide improved bathroom and kitchen facilities, and others had contributed much-needed medical supplies.

Speaking Russian in one-on-one conversations or through a translator when leading group Bible studies, Davidson wanted "to see these kids healed physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally - just in every way".

NOW: With her signature nose ring in place - she also sports a top hat from time to time - Davidson remains a distinctive, regular visitor at the hospital where she is viewed as an unofficial member of staff. "They all know me by name, and question me if I haven't been in for a while. It keeps me accountable," she said.

Recently she has enlisted the children in fundraising for the hospital by having them decorate wooden eggs, for sale in the West. "You wouldn't believe what therapy it is for the kids and their mothers. They are always waiting for me to come in with my box of paints and brushes. It's amazing to see their creativity and emotion."

As well as helping with further improvements in physical conditions, Davidson wants to open a counseling room "for the children, parents and workers. It's so stressful and so emotional that most nurses quite after only a year".

Seeing the youngsters die is hard on her, too. "A few of the kids' deaths hit me pretty hard. Sometimes it's a relief that they are no longer angry, in pain and sad - all this is gone and they are home. What is more discouraging is that there is no emotional care given."

Davidson also works in two orphanages, one in Kiev and the other near the border with Hungary. She and a co-worker visit to offer practical help and befriend the youngsters. "We are trying to break down all the mindsets that they are worthless and won't be able to do anything." They take groups out on trips. "Many had not been out of the orphanage in three years."

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