Vital rehabilitation for Nika

Little Veronika from Dnipro began her life with a fight. But this story holds far more light than fear. Because beside her there is a loving family and a deep, unwavering belief that Nika will succeed.

At 33 weeks of pregnancy, Daria experienced placental abruption, and doctors performed an emergency C-section. Veronika was born very tiny – weighing only 1,670 grams.

Nika spent two months in intensive care, including her first 11 days on a ventilator. Immediately after birth, she suffered a brain hemorrhage, and fluid accumulated in her lungs. Later, an MRI revealed a congenital brain malformation – microcephaly. At the age of one, Veronika was officially granted disability status.

In addition, Nika has paraplegia (paralysis of both lower limbs), epilepsy, and psychomotor developmental delay. She requires constant medical support and regular rehabilitation.

Every two months, she undergoes rehabilitation courses at specialized centers in Dnipro, Pidhorodne, and Kamianske. And every single day, her mother continues therapy with Veronika at home.

Thanks to this consistent effort, Nika has achieved wonderful progress. She can sit in a chair and in a “mermaid” position on the floor, stand in orthoses with minimal support, grasp food and toys with both hands, understand spoken language well, and express her emotions more clearly. Her gaze has become more focused, and she recognizes her loved ones.

Unfortunately, Veronika has experienced speech regression. She used to be able to say five words, but now she can pronounce only the “r” sound. Specialists are confident that systematic therapy can help restore her speech.

Nika loves listening to children’s songs, dancing in her parents’ arms, watching cartoons, and doing finger exercises. She especially enjoys playing with her older sister, Masha. Their laughter fills the home with warmth.

In March, Veronika needs to undergo another course of rehabilitation at the Ioannovo Center. Sessions with specialists will help her strengthen her muscles, reduce spasticity, improve cognitive skills, and stimulate speech development. Friends, please support Nika!