How Children with Congenital Heart Defects Are Being Helped

A Little Heart, Two Surgeries, and Endless Hope: Anya’s Story

Anya’s first year of life was spent under the careful supervision of doctors. Born with a congenital heart defect, she required constant attention and medical care. Right after being discharged from the maternity hospital, she was referred to the Rivne regional hospital for additional testing. Doctors advised waiting until she gained enough weight before considering surgery.

For six months, Anya’s condition was closely monitored. When her family learned that the M.M. Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery in Kyiv helps infants with CHD, they traveled there for a consultation.

At that time, Anya was doing well, and specialists at the Institute decided to postpone the surgery until she was a bit older. Finally, at the age of one, Anya underwent her first heart surgery. Doctors carefully repositioned the blood vessels in her heart. The operation went smoothly and without complications — but the family was warned there could be a need for a second procedure in the future.

Sadly, that prediction came true. Seven years later, Anya began to fatigue easily, showed signs of cyanosis, and struggled to breathe. Her mother brought her back to the Amosov Institute, where doctors confirmed that her condition had worsened. A second open-heart surgery was necessary. Surgeons once again adjusted the position of the vessels — and the operation was a success.

Anya is now recovering at home, and we wish her a full and speedy recovery. Her journey reflects the mission of our project, “Big Little Heart” — helping children with congenital heart defects receive the care they need, quickly and effectively.

Through #Charity_Chain, a joint initiative by Tvoya Opora Foundation and Guzema Jewelry, Anya received all the necessary medications and medical supplies during her hospital stay.

Our long-time partner, Credit Agricole Ukraine, generously provided the life-saving medication Custodiol, used for open-heart surgeries — free of charge.