Life-Saving Treatment for Kids in Ukraine

Dear friends,

Thank you for supporting critically ill children on treatment in wartime Ukraine!

Every time we hear the stories from our dedicated physiotherapist, Tetiana, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride and hope. These are stories of resilient children, like 10-year-old Valeria you see in the picture, who is determined to reach her goals despite all odds. She is just like her home city, frontline Mykolaiv, that has come to symbolize resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people during the war.

Valeria came to Kyiv’s National Cancer Institute diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. There, she underwent a complex surgery. Her will to walk again was so strong that, with Tetiana’s attentive guidance, she was walking without crutches within two weeks!

Despite the effects of chemotherapy and low energy days, Valeria hasn’t let anything stop her. Not only has she kept up with her studies, completing fourth grade with excellent marks, but she also continues her therapy with incredible tenacity. When Russian attacks cause power outages, Valeria, undeterred, climbs six flights of stairs to continue her therapy!

We are proud of Valeria’s achievements, and we wish her a speedy recovery. With your generous support, our team is ready to stand by kids like Valeria and help them achieve their dreams. Thank you!

Dear friends,

Thank you for your generous donations that help Ukrainian children receive medical treatment and relief!

Kyrylo's story, which I would like to share with you today, is a good example of why treatment options in Ukraine are so important, even for those children who were evacuated abroad.

When an 11-year-old boy was diagnosed with bone cancer, his life changed forever. The harsh reality of his condition led to the amputation of his leg. At that time, Kyrylo and his mother were abroad, far from the familiar comfort of their home. Despite having access to a state-of-the-art prosthetic limb, Kyrylo's life was filled with discomfort and pain. That’s because his stump was not properly prepared for prosthetic use.

This is where Zaporuka stepped in, initially providing online support. Our physiotherapists' primary focus was to strengthen the muscles of his stump and teach him to walk with two crutches. Kyrylo had tried this before, but his progress was hindered by incorrect physical training protocols following his amputation. It was tough as the boy quickly got tired and struggled with patience, attention, and motivation.

However, everything changed when Kyrylo and his family returned to Kyiv. There is something truly healing about being home. Kyrylo’s transformation was remarkable, as he engaged in his rehabilitation with enthusiasm and commitment.

Now, Kyrylo’s progress is nothing short of extraordinary. His gait has become significantly smoother, and he has increased his walking distance to 2 kilometers, using only one crutch. His next goal is to strengthen his entire body and master walking without crutches.

Kyrylo’s family is very supportive, encouraging him, "Pity and overprotection only hinder a child. He must learn to do everything himself. Yes, it requires a lot of patience and time, but it is worth it."

Recently, Kyrylo found a new source of motivation—returning to school, where he played soccer for the first time in his life as a goalkeeper. His team won 4-0, filling him with joy and confidence that he can conquer anything.

With your continued support, we believe that Kyrylo’s dreams, along with those of many other children, will come true. Thank you for being there for children in wartime Ukraine.