Life Strength for Veronika

A year and a half ago, 10-year-old Nika weighed 11.5 kg. Now her weight has reached 17 kg . Veronika has a congenital brain defect. She breathes through a tracheostomy and is fed through a feeding tube – without it, she cannot live.

Nika was born at 36 weeks. Doctors immediately informed the family that she had Dandy-Walker syndrome – an abnormal structure and functioning of the cerebellum.

When Veronika turned one, she was admitted to intensive care with pneumonia, where doctors placed a tracheostomy. Later, because she also has Pierre Robin syndrome, which impairs her swallowing reflex, she was switched to tube feeding.

After anesthesia and a coma, Veronika began experiencing epileptic seizures, which are controlled with the anticonvulsant Keppra.

A year and a half ago, Veronika’s weight dropped to a critical 11.5 kg. The gastroenterologist prescribed a special medical nutrition – Fortini by Nutricia. Since then, Nika has gained 5.5 kg! 

Veronika is very sensitive to weather changes; shifts in atmospheric pressure immediately worsen her condition. When she feels well, she plays with musical toys and has even learned how to turn them on.

Nika does not speak and cannot understand speech, but she responds to attention, loves hugs and kisses. She can hold her head up for a short time while sitting in her mom’s arms – and this small achievement brings the family immense joy.

Veronika urgently needs Fortini special nutrition, as well as essential medications and care supplies: Microlax, Enterogermina, Broncho-Munal, Ergoferon, Octenisept antiseptic for her tracheostomy, and Seni Kids diapers.

The family is in a difficult financial situation: only the stepfather works, while the mother takes care of Veronika and her younger sister Arina. Friends, let's raise the necessary amount to provide Nika with everything she needs for six months!