A Techie from the Cradle: Overcoming Marfan Syndrome

One bright morning, a little boy surprised his entire family with a question:
“Mom, Dad, where will my brother sit when he’s born?”
It was a moment of pure wonder — the first hint of something magical. Just a week later, a pregnancy test confirmed the boy’s intuition: a new baby was on the way.

Olha’s pregnancy was smooth and complication-free, as if the world itself was protecting the baby. On August 14, 2007, Fedir was born — a strong, healthy baby weighing 4.2 kg and measuring 60 cm. His early years were peaceful and full of joy. He rarely cried, even when things didn’t work out. Instead, he would quietly but persistently try again until he got it right. His determination and calm resolve amazed his parents.

From a young age, Fedir loved chess, drawing, and most of all — technology. He could spend hours watching his father repair computers. Life seemed nearly perfect.

But everything changed in 2014, when Fedir turned seven. Unfortunately, along with his father's love for technology, he also inherited a serious health condition: Marfan syndrome. The most dangerous complications involved his aorta and mitral valve. From that moment on, Fedir’s life changed — he needed constant medication and biannual check-ups at the Amosov Institute in Kyiv.

Still, the struggles only made him stronger. His focus and kindness deepened. And his love for computers only grew. As a teenager, he began building PCs, learning to code, and mastering programming languages.

But in January 2024, the family faced a terrifying new challenge. During a regular exam, doctors discovered that Fedir’s aorta had expanded to 5.1 cm — a critical and life-threatening size. Emergency surgery was the only option. For ten long hours, surgeons worked to save his life. For his parents, each minute was filled with fear and hope. And then — success. The operation was a success, and no further surgeries would be needed.

Fedir’s recovery will take time, but with his iron will and the support of his family, he’s already on the road back. Today, at 17, he’s a student at the Kyiv Electromechanical College and one step closer to his dream of working in the IT world. With his talent, determination, and heart full of purpose — Fedir is destined to succeed.

Fedir’s family is sincerely grateful to Lancôme for supporting them through this journey as part of the “Big Little Heart” project for St. Nicholas Day 2023.