Date of birth: January 17, 2017
Place of birth: Lyman, Donetsk region
Diagnosis:
Cerebral palsy (CP),
stage 5 retinopathy,
blind,
non-mobile
Ivan is 8 years old. He cannot see or walk and requires constant care. But the most important thing is — he is alive. And every day of his life is a victory.
Ivan was born prematurely at 32 weeks. In the city of Lyman, Donetsk region, doctors lacked the equipment to care for premature babies and suggested his mother abandon him. But she fought — found a car, reached Kramatorsk, and on January 17, 2017, little Ivan was born. 1.3 kg, 40 cm, breathing on his own — he wanted to live.
A few days later, medical errors cost Ivan his eyesight. He was diagnosed with stage 5 retinopathy. He underwent 5 eye surgeries in the National Children’s Hospital “Okhmatdyt” in Kyiv during the first six months of his life. Ivan remained blind, but he survived.
Then came a new challenge: a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Ivan couldn’t sit or hold his head. But his mother found specialists, worked with him at home, did massages, and looked for every opportunity. It was difficult, but there was progress.
When Ivan was 10 months old, the family suffered a great loss. His mother became a widow with a child in her arms. She moved into her grandmother’s old house and worked hard to give Ivan everything he needed. Her parents supported her, but soon after, the family lost Ivan’s grandfather to cancer.
In 2022, explosions again divided their lives in two: Ivan fractured his pelvis when he fell from bed during a shelling. The family was forced to evacuate. Their house was heavily damaged, and their belongings and childhood photos burned. Now they live in a small, old house with a stove in the Sumy region.
Ivan spends all his time lying down or sitting. He cannot see, cannot move, and has no control over his bodily functions.
To live in relative comfort, he needs the following every day:
✔️ Diapers (size 7)
✔️ Medications: vitamins, “Cognitum”, supplements to support his body
✔️ Massages and support for motor activity
✔️ Specialized nutrition
✔️ Emotional and psychological support for his mother
Ivan is a child who has already lived through more than many adults ever will.He does not need pity — he needs a chance. A chance for stability. For comfort. For small joys.
This family needs your help!
Join our project to help children with disabilities, “Happiness in Every Family”!
For more information, please call +38 0 66 7000 177 or e-mail web@kids2kids-fund.com.
Bank details for monthly payments by the link
