Mum, will I ever be able to walk again?

Sashko is now 13 years old. Until last year, he was a cheerful, energetic boy. He loved soccer, fishing, and active games with friends. His childhood was full of movement, laughter, and dreams. But one day, everything changed. In August 2024, the first alarming symptoms appeared—headaches and weakness. It seemed like a normal illness. But two months later, during a fishing trip with his dad, the irreparable happened: Sasha sat down, and when he tried to get up, his right leg wouldn't respond. Within seconds, his left leg also gave way. He was paralyzed in less than a minute.

The boy was rushed to the hospital. He spent 20 days in intensive care, then in palliative care. The doctors did everything they could, prescribing numerous medications, but there was no improvement. Despite all the tests, no one could immediately determine the exact cause of the tragedy. Finally, the doctors confirmed massive damage to the spinal cord, paraparesis, and impaired sensitivity in the lower body and pelvic organs. For the family, this was a blow from which it was difficult to recover.

However, his parents are not giving up. They are doing everything possible to restore their son's ability to walk. They have been to countless hospitals, undergone numerous examinations and courses of treatment. They have managed to stop the progression of the disease, but Sasha still cannot walk. His back muscles have weakened, causing severe fourth-degree scoliosis. Doctors are talking about possible surgery, but the boy's best chance is long-term, intensive neurorehabilitation at the Modrichi Medical Center. There, Sasha can receive help to restore nerve function, strengthen his muscles, and teach his body to move again.

But there is a catastrophic shortage of funds for treatment, and time is against them. Every day without rehabilitation is a lost opportunity. The family's only hope is the kindness of people who will not remain indifferent. Sashko often asks, “Mom, will I ever be able to walk again?” and his mother, holding back tears, always replies, “Yes, son, you will.” She has no choice, because her child's life depends on this belief. Sashko does not dream of gifts. He simply dreams of standing on his own two feet again, of taking his first step. Please don't pass by. Help give this child back his mobility, strength, and hope. Your support is a chance for a life without pain. It's a chance for a smile from a boy who just wants to live!