Mariyka’s Saved Heart

The story of how Mariyka was helped is truly incredible. It shows that anyone with a desire to do good can bring together caring people and give a child the chance of a healthy life.

For the second time, our incredible benefactor from Lviv, Viktoria Vysotska, has helped a child with a congenital heart defect. Thanks to her support, her kind heart, and the people who joined the fundraising effort, we managed to purchase the necessary occluder for Mariyka Pakholchak.

Mariyka is a little girl who has been fighting for her life and health since she was a baby. Even during pregnancy, doctors detected a severe heart defect in the baby — an atrial septal defect. At the time, the parents were given almost no hope and were warned that the baby might not survive.

After birth, Mariyka’s condition was critical. She could not breathe on her own, her lungs had not expanded, and she was bleeding from her nose and mouth. The baby was immediately transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit, where she spent the first three months of her life. Despite all the grim prognoses, Mariyka fought bravely for her life.

Subsequently, the family travelled regularly to Vinnytsia and Kyiv for examinations and consultations. Due to her low weight, doctors were unable to perform the operation for a long time, as it was too dangerous for the child.

Today, cardiac surgeons have confirmed that Mariyka needs surgery to have an occluder fitted, and this must be done before she turns six to avoid dangerous complications in the future.

Mariyka is growing up in a large family; her parents are raising five children. The family could not afford to pay for the expensive implant themselves.

On 26 May 2026, Mariyka Pakholchak underwent a successful operation and had an occluder fitted. Victoria came to the hospital in person to congratulate the girl after the operation and support the family on this important day.

We sincerely thank Victoria and every donor for their help, compassion and for giving Mariyka the chance of a healthy future.