Receiving a cancer diagnosis and going through treatment is tough for most fully-grown adults to endure but even tougher for a child.
However, one amazing little girl is not only battling cancer but dancing her way through treatment.
Little Darly Leviante is receiving radiation treatment in Chile at the Puerto Montt hospital. To make staying in hospital less traumatic for child patients, doctors have introduced a new form of “laughter therapy.”
Doctors dress up as clowns or "Clowntagiosos" while doing the rounds on the children’s wards to cheer up the children and give them a laugh.
And not only did the clowns put a smile on little Darly’s face, she was so excited that she got up and started to dance on her bed.
The incredible footage of Darly dancing on her bed has gone viral all over the world.
The admirable little girl says that she “wants to give a message to other children who are sick," Darly says, "to push forward.
"Life is not over and to continue with their strength they have, or had before. Don't fall down. Continue to encourage other children in equal measure."
Darly’s doctor Dr. Pinika says Darly is exceptional. "She has amazing energy," she says, "She shows us all that we have to push forward.
"We thank the fact she stood up on top of her bed – that's what has caught people's attention. That she stood up on her bed to play while at hospital. That's what makes the video stand out, what creates joy."
The clown doctors have gone down well with all the children at the hospital, according to Dr. Pinika, who has dressed up as a clown herself.
“In laughter therapy, its purpose is to de-dramatise all of this," she says.
"You have to think of the children, these little ones who come here for treatment. It's all very aggressive for them: the shots, the exams. The doctors do it with a lot of affection, but for them it's an aggression.
"That's why we're here, the Clowntagiosos doctors, to encourage them, to lift their mood, and promote trust between the staff, the parents and the child," she says.
We think she is an incredibly brave little girl and is such an inspiration to other sick children. We hope her treatment will be over soon and she can return home to her family.
