Let's help Vania with his rehabilitation

The story of ten-year-old Vania from Dnipro is about the path to independence and perseverance. It is about the parents’ faith that helps him move forward.

Ivan was born on time, but during birth he suffered severe hypoxia. Already on the second day of life, he was transferred to intensive care, where the baby spent nine days on a ventilator. At discharge, the medical report stated that the child’s brain had suffered organic damage.

The first alarming signs appeared very early. At one month old, a neurologist diagnosed a delay in psychomotor development, and an ophthalmologist detected drooping of the right eyelid and strabismus. But the parents did not give up and began fighting for every achievement of their son.

Their perseverance brought results. At seven months, Vania learned to sit; at one and a half years, he started to crawl; at two years, he took his first steps with support; and at three years, he was already walking independently.

At the age of three, Ivan was diagnosed with lower spastic paraparesis, in which the leg muscles remain tense and movements are more difficult. At the age of six, another diagnosis was added – moderate intellectual disability.

Vania does not speak, but he understands addressed speech well. He expresses his wishes using cards, nods to show agreement, or shakes his head if he disagrees.

Now the boy studies in the third grade of a rehabilitation education center. He knows letters and numbers, recognizes animals and objects. Writing is still difficult – underdeveloped fine motor skills do not allow him to hold a pen confidently.

Ivan strives for independence: he has learned to drink, eat, and take off clothes and shoes with the help of his family. He has also become more confident in going up and down the stairs, holding onto the handrail or his mother’s hand.

For Vania to continue developing, he needs regular therapy sessions. The family needs your support to pay for a rehabilitation program scheduled for May at the St. John's Center. Rehabilitation will help Vania strengthen his muscles, improve coordination and balance, and develop speech. Let’s help Ivan get closer to new achievements!