Her iron will can overcome anything. 2

Yelyzaveta is an incredibly cheerful, kind, and determined young woman. She is intelligent, attentive, and curious, and has a great love for learning and discovering new things. Liza adores communicating with people, is always ready to support those around her, and knows how to find a way out of any difficult situation. She is creative and persistent: she has been passionate about drawing since childhood, and now aspires to help people through social work.

Despite all of life's hardships, Yelyzaveta never gives up. She is strong in spirit and in body, able to overcome obstacles and find the strength to keep moving forward. Her character and determination impress everyone who knows her. Liza is a true example of courage, strength, and self-belief.

The story of Yelyzaveta's fight for the right to life began even before she was born. Shortly before her birth, during a follow-up ultrasound, doctors discovered an intrauterine infection and polycystic brain disease in the unborn child. Two days later, her mother underwent a caesarean section. And so the long-awaited daughter, Yelyzaveta, was born. On the tenth day, the mother and baby were transferred to the neonatal unit at Okhmatdyt. The doctors spoke among themselves about how slim the chances were – it was devastating for the mother to hear, but she insisted that everything possible be done for Liza. Round-the-clock IV drips, ultrasounds, and CT scans of the brain began. A complex diagnosis was established. Two days later they were transferred to the infectious disease ward, where treatment continued for another month: tube feeding, examinations, and IV drips.

After a month, Liza had gained strength and weight, and they were discharged home. No special treatment was prescribed – only neurological monitoring and a special diet, which was very expensive. Her father did everything he could to provide his daughter with what she needed. But two weeks later, Liza's head began to grow and the child cried constantly from pain. Back to the hospital, to the Romodanov Neurosurgery Institute, for brain shunt surgery. Another diagnosis – this time congenital hydrocephalus, shunt-dependent form. Liza spent her first New Year in hospital. After the surgery, life stabilized somewhat: neurological check-ups, massages, follow-up brain CT scans, rehabilitation. But at six months old the shunt became blocked, and Liza had to undergo surgery again. From ten months of age, the girl began comprehensive rehabilitation at the Vidrodzhennia center in Chernihiv.

Liza grew and developed, but new challenges emerged: strabismus, left-sided hemiparesis, and at the age of three – epilepsy. For almost a year, doctors worked to find an effective anti-convulsant therapy for Liza, which is very costly. And her parents did everything they could to give Liza a chance at a full life.

At four years old, Liza began attending a preschool development school, and at five she started first grade. She studied inclusively – it was difficult at first, but she adapted, found friends who supported her, and managed to overcome difficulties from her peers. Yelyzaveta successfully completed secondary school, despite ongoing rehabilitation, scheduled check-ups, and taking three anti-convulsant medications.

Next came university studies in social work. The pandemic and the war brought their own adjustments: Liza is completing her third year of study online. Life has not been easy, but she does not give up. She is strong, determined, and steadfast in pursuing her goals.

Last year, Yelyzaveta received her bachelor's degree. She plans to enroll in a master's program after the situation stabilizes, continuing her education and personal growth.

Liza is a true example of strength, courage, and self-belief. She never gives up and fights every day for her life and her future. Every day, Liza is forced to take medications that her family cannot afford to purchase. Please support this young woman on her path to a full life!