The future for three boys

Artem has SMA type 1, Ivan has cerebral palsy, and Valerii suffered a brain infarction at the age of 14. Three boys from Dnipro have different stories, but they are united by the need to undergo rehabilitation.

Artem is 5 years old. He was diagnosed in the first year of life, when his parents noticed that his son, unlike his twin sister, could not sit on his own. A neurologist suspected, and geneticists confirmed SMA type 1. In children with this diagnosis, the cells of the spinal cord die and the muscles responsible for motor functions, swallowing and eventually breathing are affected.

A treatment that helps stop regression was invented only in 2016. Its annual cost is half a million dollars. Artem received 4 doses of the drug last year for the first time (for 8 months) as humanitarian aid. What's next? To wait and hope that Ukraine will adopt a program for the treatment of SMA at the expense of the budget. For now, Artem needs regular work with rehabilitation specialists.

Unfortunately, Vania's story is more widespread. The boy suffered asphyxia during childbirth, which led to multiple organ failure and convulsions. The baby was discharged home only after 1.5 months, and later the diagnosis was made: paraparesis with persistent movement disorders.

But Vania's body responds very well to rehabilitation! At 8 months, the baby sat up, at 1.5 years he crawled, at 3 years old he walked on his own. Vania understands speech, but communicates himself only with the help of PECS cards: this was taught to him by a psychologist. This year, Ivan will go to the primary class. But it is necessary to continue rehabilitation in order to strengthen the muscles of the back and feet, improve hand motility, and learn new skills from a psychologist.

Valerii is now 16. On May 15, 2021, he could not get out of bed, convulsions began, the boy fainted. A cerebral infarction was diagnosed in the hospital.

The examination revealed thrombophilia: a tendency to the formation of blood clots. In the winter of 2021, Valera suffered from covid asymptomatically, which made the blood even thicker. This led to the formation of blood clots and a ishemic attack. Valerii was prescribed constant intake of the drug Xarelto and rehabilitation to restore functions. In the 2 years that have passed since that terrible day, the boy has taken several recovery courses in rehabilitation centers. Thanks to this, he got out of bed, but he still needs to improve his walking, start the work of his left foot and hand.

National health service can pay for these children for two rehabilitation courses per year. Neurologists recommend at least four. Therefore, we collect funds for two additional courses for each child. The cost of one course is UAH 15,000. Let's help these children get a happy future!