An Angelic Happening

ČSH

The word "happening" has many equivalents. Yesterday's event in Prague on the occasion of World Haemophilia Day was neither shocking nor unconventionally artistic, but it became a very pleasant gathering and celebration of an important day. It was the culmination of an ongoing campaign called "I Support Haemophilia Treatment," sponsored by the pharmaceutical company Baxter. A website with the same name was created where people could support the efforts of the Czech Hemophilia Society and Hemojunior by purchasing special items prepared for this purpose.

A surprisingly high sum of CZK 63,850 was collected, and a symbolic cheque with this amount was received on the spot by CSH Vice-Chairman Martin Bohun and Hemojunior Chairman Michael Beren.

But we are getting ahead of ourselves, because everything began in the afternoon under beautiful sunny weather at Palackeho namesti. The area was teeming with red T-shirts bearing the appropriate emblem, and many participants came from places quite far from Prague. The organizers had also arranged a police escort, and about 150 marchers set off under its protection along the embankment to the National Theatre, across Most Legii to Ujezd, and from there to the finish at Namesti Kinskych.

At the front of the march appeared the project ambassador Jana Dolezelova, together with representatives of both organizations on whose behalf everything was created. But it was not just about the financial aspect — it was about raising public awareness of haemophilia and highlighting the importance of its treatment. And above all, supporting the expansion of prophylaxis not only among children but also adults. In recent times, much has changed for the better in this regard in our country, yet support for the preventive administration of clotting factor concentrates can never be sufficient. Its importance is enormous, backed by dozens upon dozens of expert studies from around the world.

At the finish of the march, at the spot where a replica of a Soviet tank numbered 23 once stood, a small stage, refreshments, and promotional stands were already waiting. The teenage favourites 5Angels took the stage and performed a number of pieces from their repertoire accompanied by pre-recorded music. They attracted the attention of some passers-by, particularly school-age children, so the square filled up nicely.

The highlight was supposed to be the transformation of the inventive fountain into a source of red gushing jets of water, but the strong spring sunshine diminished part of the effect. The red spotlight illumination only began to show as the sun faded and evening approached.

By then, some participants were gradually dispersing to the nearby restaurants, wine bars, and pubs of Smichov to catch up with friends and acquaintances. And of course, plans were already being made for participation in the next chapter of celebrations — a ride on the narrow-gauge Jindrichohradecka railway train on Saturday, April 26. Seats are already hopelessly sold out thanks to vigorous press and internet promotion among CSH and Hemojunior members, so everything promises yet another series of pleasant experiences.

The weather was exceptionally favourable for the march, the programme went well, and it was supported by strong attendance from members of both organizing institutions — especially Hemojunior — so what more could one wish for? It only remains to thank everyone for the excellent organization, the financial support of the entire event, the buyers who purchased the special merchandise on the website, and all participants who came to Prague from any distance, for being there.