Superheroes Are Real
For me, they have always been doctors. And among them, pediatric oncologists hold a very special place - people who face some of the most difficult human stories every day and give children and their families hope when it is needed most.
During my trip to Tokyo, together with Eliška Soffer Podzimek and Jindřich Trčka, I had the privilege of meeting two such superheroes: Professor Kimikazu Matsumoto and Dr. Daisuke Tomizawa from the National Center for Child Health and Development, two leading specialists in pediatric oncology and childhood leukemia in Japan.
Our meeting was made possible by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Tokyo, where Eliška’s episode of Baldies - “What About My Hair?” - was screened. Professor Matsumoto was among the guests and, after seeing the film, invited us to visit the hospital and learn more about their approach to caring for young cancer patients.
We visited the pediatric oncology center and the wards where its youngest patients receive treatment. What stayed with me most was the empathy and respect surrounding every child, and the effort to preserve a sense of safety, dignity and ordinary childhood even during such a difficult period.
One of the most memorable encounters was with Masa, the hospital dog, who accompanies children through frightening and stressful moments and somehow manages to bring smiles even in the hardest circumstances. A beautiful reminder that treatment is not only about medicine, but also about trust, closeness and humanity.
I left Tokyo with an enormous sense of inspiration, humility and gratitude – and an even stronger belief that real superheroes do not wear capes. They wear white coats and hospital ID badges, and every day they fight for something infinitely more precious: children’s lives.
We were also delighted that Professor Matsumoto expressed his wish to present our pilot episode at a major international oncology conference this autumn. Because stories can cross borders. And if they can help even one child feel a little less alone, they are worth telling.
Discover more about Baldies and the story behind the project: baldies.eu
