Unique, but not conquered by the disease. 3

Bilal from Zalishchyky in Ternopil region is the only child in Ukraine diagnosed with Emanuel Syndrome. He cannot hear, speak, or walk. His entire world is his mother Mariam, who is by his side every single day – caring for him, holding him, and loving him. Right now, they urgently need support to provide Bilal with Resource Junior special nutrition for the next six months.

Bilal was born on time but weighed only 2,650 g. Doctors immediately noticed his low weight, muscle hypotonia, lack of a sucking reflex, and digestive disorders. He was transferred to the intensive care unit of the Ternopil Regional Hospital.

Mariam did not give up and, within ten days, managed to teach her son how to suck and swallow – making tube feeding unnecessary.

When Bilal was nine months old, he and his mother moved to Australia for a year. There, he fell into a coma due to anemia and severe nutrient deficiency. Doctors diagnosed Emanuel Syndrome – a rare condition characterized by hearing impairment, lack of speech, muscle weakness, developmental delays, and congenital heart defects.

It took a long time to find a suitable special formula for Bilal. The only one his body can tolerate is Resource Junior. Mariam feeds him every three hours, including at night. One can per day is required, costing 611 UAH. Monthly expenses reach approximately 18,324 UAH – a sum the family simply cannot afford.

Since 2022, the boy’s father has been living abroad and does not participate in his life. All the care, worries, and sleepless nights rest solely on Mariam’s shoulders. She is not just a mother – she is also a nurse, caregiver, and the only support her son has.

Thanks to her efforts, Bilal has learned to hold his head, sit, and crawl. But children with this syndrome cannot roll over or walk, and congenital deafness makes speech development impossible. Bilal’s development currently corresponds to that of a one-year-old child.

Recently, he suffered from COVID-19 for the fourth time, and the illness was complicated by purulent otitis. Antibiotics once again disrupted his digestive system, causing pain, frequent crying, and the need for constant comfort in his mother’s arms.

Resource Junior special nutrition is the only way for Bilal to receive the nutrients he needs to grow and gain weight. Let's work together to provide Bilal with a vital mixture for six months!