Solomiia's dream is stronger than the disease

Solomiia is a very sociable and cheerful 16-year-old girl. From early childhood she has had a passion for drawing, and today she studies diligently at school and is preparing to enter higher education. Her dream is to become an English language translator and build a bright future for herself. But behind that dream lies a daily struggle.

Solomiia was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of nine. She was hospitalized after a sudden and severe deterioration – despite eating and drinking a great deal, she was losing weight rapidly and visibly weakening. Her parents did not immediately understand what was happening.

At the time, it seemed that diabetes was something that affected older people – certainly not an active, energetic, and cheerful child.

The hardest moment came when a syringe was placed in her mother's hands and she was taught how to give injections. The realization set in that from that day forward, it would be she who would have to cause her child pain several times every day.

Solomiia is now a teenager. Her body is growing and changing, which means her treatment and diet must be constantly adjusted. She always has to carry food with her, calculate every step, and sometimes even "run an extra kilometre" to stabilize her condition.

Particularly difficult are the frequent sudden drops in blood sugar. Monitoring these with a regular glucometer is very challenging. That is why continuous glucose monitoring sensors are absolutely vital. They help prevent dangerous episodes and allow her to live more safely.

The family, together with Solomiia, learns every day how to live with this diagnosis and looks for ways to improve her quality of life. But unfortunately, the financial burden is far too great for the family – because Solomiia's younger brother also has diabetes.

Her parents cannot provide both children with everything they need, including sensors, on their own, and are therefore forced to seek outside help.

Any support you offer is a chance for Solomiia to live more peacefully, more safely, and to move toward her dream with greater confidence.

She is strong, she does not give up, and she truly wants to live a full life.