Life despite diagnoses

Arsenii from Dnipro is 15 years old. Every day he proves that a difficult diagnosis is not a sentence, but a path one can move forward on – step by step – toward better results.

Arsenii was born at term, but during the first months of his life his parents noticed worrying symptoms: he was restless and cried frequently. At two months of age, an MRI revealed a congenital brain malformation – partial agenesis (absence) of the corpus callosum – and epileptic encephalopathy. At five months, the child was officially granted disability status.

Arsenii takes anti-seizure medications, Levetiracetam and Petnimitide, on a daily basis. After an epileptic seizure in the summer of 2024, the dosage of Levetiracetam had to be increased. He also regularly undergoes EEG examinations so doctors can monitor his condition.

Arsenii has developmental delays, but physically he keeps up with his peers. He understands everyday speech, and thanks to ongoing work with a speech therapist and a psychologist, he has begun to understand unfamiliar people as well. He currently speaks only the first syllables of words such as “pa,” “ma,” and “ba.” He eats and dresses himself, though slowly and under adult supervision.

Arsenii loves playing with his older sister Arina and his younger brother Illia, enjoys taking care of fish, and dreams of having a real “water world” at home. Train trips and swimming in the sea make him incredibly happy!

Three times a week, Arsenii attends a specialized school. In his free time, he swims in a pool and performs at the inclusive theater “Nezabudky” in Dnipro, where he learns to interact with the world around him.

A noticeable breakthrough in Arsenii’s development occurred after a rehabilitation course at the St. John's Center in November 2024: he became more aware of his body, his anxiety decreased, and – most importantly – he developed a desire to speak.

In February, Arsenii needs to undergo another rehabilitation course at the St. Ioann Center, including massage therapy, physical therapy, and sensory integration. Our support today is a step toward helping Arsenii achieve greater independence. Let’s support this determined boy!