Keep the joy of moving alive for Maksym

As a child, Maksym learned to ride a bicycle, eat independently, and confidently take his first steps toward discovering the world around him. Like any parent, his mother cherished each of her son's achievements. However, over time, something happened that no family can ever truly prepare for: Maksym gradually began to lose the skills he had already mastered. Today, Maksym is twenty years old, and regular rehabilitation is essential to help slow the progression of his condition and preserve his mobility.

Maksym was born full-term and showed no visible health concerns. Despite having a low body weight and a poor appetite, he grew, developed, and explored the world much like other children his age. Nothing seemed to indicate the challenges that lay ahead.

Following a severe illness, however, his mother began to notice changes. At first, they appeared minor, but over time it became increasingly clear that everyday activities were becoming more difficult for her son. His movements became less coordinated, and skills that had once come naturally gradually started to fade.

For many years, his mother searched for answers to understand what was happening to her child. When the cause was finally identified, it brought no sense of relief. Genetic testing confirmed a rare genetic disorder that progressively affects the nervous system and leads to a gradual deterioration of physical abilities.

For Maksym’s mother, this was an especially painful moment. At last, she understood the reason behind the changes she had witnessed in her son's condition. At the same time, she came to realize that without ongoing treatment and rehabilitation, the disease would continue to take away his ability to move independently and maintain his daily functioning.

Today, Maksym lives with spasticity, which significantly affects his mobility and everyday life. Standing 175 cm tall, he weighs only 39 kg. Yet despite the many challenges he faces, he remains determined and resilient. Specialized treatment and rehabilitation courses at the Institute of Pain Problems play a vital role in maintaining his condition. These therapies help reduce the effects of spasticity, support his physical functioning, and preserve the abilities that Maksym and his family have worked so hard to maintain over the years.

Since reaching adulthood, access to free rehabilitation services has become significantly more limited, while the need for ongoing treatment remains unchanged. Covering the cost of regular rehabilitation courses has become an increasing financial burden for the family.

Today, Maksym’s mother is reaching out for support from compassionate people willing to help. Your contribution will enable Maksym to undergo the rehabilitation he urgently needs and continue preserving his mobility, independence, and quality of life despite the challenges posed by his condition.