A pain-free life for Vania

In his computer science classes, Vania writes code that runs flawlessly. But his immune system doesn’t – because of Crohn’s disease. To avoid complications, Ivan needs special nutrition.

It all started in 2021 as what seemed like a routine rotavirus infection. Soon after, he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the Rudnev Center. This autoimmune condition causes pain and inflammation, digestive disorders, and ulcers in the intestines.

Hormone therapy helped reduce the pain but caused liver problems and excess weight. The hormones were replaced with painkillers, but they didn’t work – the pain remained severe. Vania, who had been a healthy boy just recently, had to use a wheelchair.

Eventually, he was hospitalized at Okhmatdyt. He was prescribed special nutrition, regular methotrexate injections, and other medications – and his condition gradually stabilized.

In October 2023, after a severe flu, inflammation developed in the joints of his legs. Chemotherapy helps: weekly injections support his joints, allowing him to move independently and even ride a bicycle sometimes. This has become a real source of joy for him.

Ivan lives in Dnipro and studies in the 7th grade under an individual program. His mornings begin with a Zoom link. Mathematics is a beautiful logical game for him, where everything has its place. And in computer science classes, he feels like a true architect, creating flawless code.

Ivan misses spending time with his peers, and he was really looking forward to summer vacation so he could spend more time outdoors. But every month, he experiences flare-ups when the pain makes it impossible for him to walk.

The illness has forced Vania to grow up faster. But it hasn’t taken away the most important things – ability to enjoy simple moments. He loves drawing, building military models from cardboard, playing chess and backgammon with his mother, helping around the house, and even cooking meals.

To avoid complications, Ivan needs special nutrition. It provides essential nutrients without triggering inflammation. The cost of Resource Junior formula is 5,700 UAH per month.

Svitlana is raising her son on her own. She faces enormous expenses for medication and medical tests and is turning to us for help to provide her son with special-needs food for a year. Let’s support Vania so he can continue doing what he loves and live without pain!