Steps that the heart dreams of

Andrii was born with a spinal meningocele that ruptured during delivery. This meant that the membranes of his spinal cord were exposed, and any infection could have been fatal. An emergency surgery was performed to save his life, but it came at a cost: Andrii lost sensation in his legs. Since then, his life has been a continuous struggle – years of rehabilitation, pain, and hope.

Andrii’s earliest memories are not of playing with toy cars or riding a bicycle. His childhood began in an operating room, in intensive care, fighting for his life. His start in life was different – difficult and painful. Instead of taking his first steps, he learned to navigate a wheelchair. Instead of carefree play, he spent his days in hospitals, undergoing procedures and hearing terms that are frightening to most, but have become ordinary to him.

He is now 17, and despite his disability, Andrii strives to live a full life. He attends a regular school and moves through its long corridors in his wheelchair. He dreams of walking. Not just standing or taking a few steps – truly walking, like everyone else. This is not a whim. It is a dream he works toward every single day.

Real change began after treatment at the Institute for Pain Problems. There, Andrii has already completed several courses. With each session, he begins to feel more connected to his body. He can now move his legs, and his mother says he is making genuine attempts to walk.

This is a major breakthrough – and at the same time, just the beginning.

Andrii lives with his mother in Sloviansk, a city where explosions are heard almost daily. Swimming, a sport he once loved, is no longer possible. But he does not give up. He continues to train at home. One more step remains. And then another. And another.

We are raising funds for Andrii’s next course of treatment. So that walking is not just a dream – but a real possibility. Together with us. Together with you.