The fragile world of Valentin

The daily routine of this family is unlike ordinary life. Every household task – whether eating or mopping the floor – becomes a complex challenge that mother and son strive to manage together.

Valentyn lives with cerebral palsy. His hand movements are severely limited, his feet are deformed, and his toes are twisted, making it painful to walk. His condition has recently worsened – he is now unable to care for himself and relies almost entirely on his mother. Due to impaired swallowing and breathing reflexes, he cannot chew solid food, which must be softened or pureed. Even simple actions like holding a spoon or glass are extremely difficult.

His mother is always by his side. She offers not only physical but also emotional support. Valentyn tries to help – he wants to vacuum, peel vegetables, and be useful. But his hands do not obey him; things fall, spill, and break. Yet his mother never discourages him – on the contrary, she encourages every effort, knowing how important it is that he tries.

Their everyday life is made even harder by household challenges and deep isolation. The family has lost their home twice due to Russian aggression. Now, they live in rented spaces, lacking stability – a heavy burden, especially when caring for a child who needs constant attention and a calm environment.

Recently, Valentyn has been in a fragile emotional state. He feels sadness, often cries, and prefers to stay in his room. Constant pain, isolation, and lack of social interaction have taken a toll. His condition is further complicated by illness – fever, fatigue, and sinus infections leave him drained. Music is his only solace: he listens to Christian songs and shares his favorite melodies with those around him. For him, this is a vital emotional refuge.

To stabilize his condition, Valentyn urgently needs a new course of treatment at the Pain Problems Institute Clinic in Kyiv. It is there that he receives therapy which eases spasticity, reduces pain, improves breathing and swallowing, and helps regain even minimal motor function.

His mother sincerely asks for help and expresses deep gratitude to all who have supported and continue to support their journey. Life is challenging – not only physically but emotionally as well. Yet the light brought into their lives by kind people means everything.

Together, we can support Valentyn once again. This is about care, about compassion, and about life – where even a small act of help makes a tremendous difference.