6 years old, Kyiv (a displaced family from Kryvyi Rih)
Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy (CP), spastic tetraparesis. Epilepsy
Myshko’s Story
Mykhailo Balahura was born on March 13, 2019, in Kryvyi Rih. He was born prematurely, with multiple complications and severe diagnoses typical for preterm babies. From his very first days, his life was a fight — but the most important thing is that Myshko survived.
After being discharged from the maternity hospital, the family began a long journey of treatment and searching for specialists. For a year, the parents heard different predictions — from hopeless to overly optimistic. Despite the treatment, Mykhailo’s condition did not improve, and later he developed epileptic seizures.
At the age of 10 months, he was officially diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP), spastic tetraparesis.
In February 2020, Myshko first entered a rehabilitation center where specialists began working with him systematically. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the centers closed, and the family had to continue rehabilitation on their own, following specialists’ recommendations at home.
A turning point came when the family learned about the Physical Rehabilitation Center “Step by Step – Towards the Goal” in August 2020. After the very first course in September, the family saw real results. Since then, Mykhailo has regularly completed rehabilitation courses, and after each one, there has been gradual but steady progress.
The Impact of the War
In February 2022, the family arrived again for the next rehabilitation course.
On February 24, the full-scale war began.
The family remained in Kryvyi Rih under constant shelling. For two months, they had to live in continuous danger, sleep in the corridor, and follow the news non-stop. Despite the circumstances, their home survived, and all loved ones stayed alive.
Due to the father losing his job and the severe security situation, the family was forced to relocate to Kyiv, where they live now, gradually rebuilding their life and continuing Myshko’s rehabilitation.
Myshko Today
Mykhailo is now 6 years old.
Thanks to regular rehabilitation and daily effort, he has achieved important results:
- eats independently
- sits without support
- crawls
- walks holding onto support
Mykhailo takes the anti-seizure medication Depakine and has ongoing monthly needs for diapers and medicines.
Needs and Fundraising Goal
To continue his progress, Myshko needs to complete 4 rehabilitation courses per year at the “Step by Step – Towards the Goal” center.
The cost of one course is approximately 30,000 UAH.
For the family, these expenses are impossible to cover without outside support.
How You Can Help
Every bit of support is a real chance for Myshko to keep moving toward greater independence. Even a small donation helps cover rehabilitation, medicines, and essential care supplies.
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