Step by step towards your dream

Today, Valeriia can walk with support and ride a bicycle. There was a time when she could only stand, holding tightly to her mother’s hand. This progress became possible thanks to continuous rehabilitation and persistent daily exercises at home. And now it is up to us whether her greatest dream – to walk independently – will come true.

At birth, Lera suffered from oxygen deprivation, which affected her central nervous system. Doctors immediately diagnosed her with intestinal obstruction. During the first months of her life, the girl underwent five surgeries.

Since birth, Lera has suffered from painful seizures. It has not been possible to stop them completely, but thanks to anti-seizure medications, the attacks have become less intense.

Valeriia has cerebral palsy, moderate intellectual disability, spinal curvature, and speech impairments. She needs regular rehabilitation.

Lera has completed many rehabilitation courses, but the sessions at the Ioann Center have proven to be the most effective for her. When she first arrived there, she could only stand near a support and take a few steps with assistance. However, after a year and a half of training, Valeriia learned to walk, ride a bicycle, jump, and maintain balance. At the same time, she practices daily at home with her mother and attends a specialized center where she works with a speech therapist and a psychologist.

Lera is 15 years old and lives with her family in the village of Stari Kodaky. Valeriia is kind, cheerful, and full of joy. She loves music, dancing, walks in the fresh air, car rides, and jumping on a trampoline.

The girl's biggest dream is to learn to walk on her own. In February, Lera needs to undergo another course of rehabilitation. Let's support her!