In September, Daryna became a first-grader

Six-year-old Daryna is very sociable, smart, and quick-witted. She grew up healthy, cheerful, and energetic, much to the delight of her family. But at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, her mother gathered everything they needed, took Daryna and her little brother, and was forced to flee to a safe place.

Later, they returned home. Everything seemed to be fine: Daryna was developing mentally at a rapid pace, surpassing her peers, playing, singing, and dancing. But after two years, her mother began to notice that Daryna was asking for more food and drink, yet she was not gaining weight, quite the contrary. Tests showed that her blood sugar level was sky-high – more than five times higher than normal.

The first days in the hospital were very difficult for both Darynka and her mother. IVs, injections, and tests were incredibly stressful. Often going down to the hospital bomb shelter, the girl caught a severe rotavirus infection. It was just horrible... Her sugar levels dropped very low because she was vomiting frequently and was dehydrated. At the same time, the child was prescribed additional IVs.

After returning home, the family was confused, because a new reality had dawned – hourly finger pricks to check sugar levels, insulin injections, and frequent changes in the child's health. Nutrition became a challenge – the girl is picky about food, and sweets and juices are prohibited. Sugar level monitoring sensors, which greatly facilitated control, came to the rescue, but they are too expensive for the family. Thanks to the support of friends, monitoring was provided for several months.

But soon, disaster struck the family again – her father was hospitalized with a brain aneurysm. The child cried and was stressed, and her mother was constantly by his side. It was a great trial for the whole family.

In September this year, Darynka started first grade. But due to her illness, the child needs constant monitoring – injections, blood sugar measurements, and a special diet. Her parents work, but they cannot afford everything she needs, including sensors, and there are no local support programs for insulin-dependent children. The family is asking for help for their daughter.