Life-Saving Treatment for Kids in Ukraine

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.