Volodymyr’s First Step

Volodymyr was born at 39 weeks via a cesarean section. He was very weak, had feeding difficulties, and was not gaining weight. For almost a year, his parents searched for the reason behind his overall weakness: he started holding his head and sitting up later than his peers.

After the full-scale invasion began, the family had to move to Portugal. The examinations continued there, but no answers were found. Only after returning to Ukraine did doctors at Ohmatdyt provide an accurate diagnosis – Prader-Willi syndrome, caused by a spontaneous genetic mutation.

The paradox of this diagnosis is that, at first, a child is very weak and unable to eat, but as they grow older – the opposite happens: they cannot stop eating, constantly feel hungry, and face the risk of obesity.

Today, Volodymyr cannot yet walk independently, but he is already trying to take steps with the support of his parents. If once he didn’t even have the strength to hold a spoon, now he is showing significant progress. His parents believe he will definitely walk on his own one day.

To achieve this, ongoing rehabilitation is essential, as it offers a chance for a full life. Every act of support brings Volodymyr closer to taking his very first independent steps.