An exhibition of painted fixation masks from the Department of Radiation Oncology,
University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic

Undergoing radiation treatment is not easy — especially for children. One of the most challenging parts of radiotherapy is the need to remain perfectly still. Patients must be tightly fixed in position, often using special radiotherapy masks. These masks can seem cold, anonymous, even frightening. At the Department of Radiation Oncology in Brno, on Žlutý kopec, this reality was transformed thanks to the initiative of radiation therapist Ing. Kateřina Procházková. On her own, she began turning these masks for pediatric patients into pieces of art — imaginative, colorful, and above all personal tools that help children cope with difficult treatment more calmly. Each child can, during the planning CT scan, choose a theme for their mask — it can be a superhero, a fairy tale character, a video game or movie figure, or something from their own imagination. Kateřina Procházková then decorates the mask according to the child's wishes. When the child comes for their first radiotherapy session, they no longer face an anonymous medical object — but something that is uniquely theirs. Familiar. Cheerful. Safe.

This small gesture has a big impact — it helps children and their parents manage anxiety, creates a calmer environment, and supports cooperation throughout treatment. It also creates a new and unique intersection of visual art, therapy, and medical care. The result is not only a more positive experience but often a smoother treatment process. The inspiring idea of Ms. Poláchová has already been adopted by other institutions, such as Motol University Hospital in Prague — and hopefully more will follow.