Kostia from Dnipro dreams of rehabilitation

11-year-old Kostia from Dnipro is learning to walk, communicate, and never stops dreaming. His smile inspires. And each of his days is a small victory.

Kostiantyn has a rare genetic disease – spinocerebellar ataxia. The disease affects the cerebellum – the part of the brain responsible for balance and coordination of movements. Gradually, it becomes harder for a person to walk, maintain balance, speak, and perform precise movements. Worldwide, this disease occurs in approximately 3 people out of 100,000, and in Ukraine there are only a few such cases.

Kostia’s development was delayed: he learned to hold his head only at 9 months, and sat at one year. Doctors could not give clear answers. During one of the examinations, it was found that the optic nerve was almost atrophied. Thanks to long-term treatment, his vision was preserved, but outdoors the boy wears sunglasses because the pupil does not fully constrict.

At the age of five, his parents noticed alarming changes: their son began to lose previously acquired skills, and his speech almost disappeared. After an MRI, doctors detected a developmental defect of the brain. The child’s blood was sent for genetic testing to Germany, where the rare diagnosis was confirmed.

The disease manifests itself through impairments in speech, walking, coordination of movements, and balance. Kostiantyn also has a weight deficiency.

Regular rehabilitation helps Kostia maintain acquired skills and learn new ones. Now he moves with the help of a walker or by holding onto support, is learning to walk with crutches, and crawls confidently.

Kostiantyn studies in the 4th grade under an individual program. Previously, a teacher came to his home, but now the boy attends school, where he learns to communicate with peers. He reads syllable by syllable and loves to draw.

Kostia is always by his brother Roma’s side, who has Down syndrome, supporting him during rehearsals and performances. Participation in the life of an inclusive theater helps him discover his strengths.

Speech has not yet been restored despite regular sessions with a speech therapist. But Kostiantyn has learned to communicate using gestures and picture cards and in this way convey his thoughts.

At the end of May, Kostya is scheduled to undergo a two-week rehabilitation program at the Ioannov Center. These sessions will help maintain skills, improve coordination and balance, and strengthen muscles. Please support Kostia with a donation so that he does not lose his achievements and can keep moving forward!