A diagnosis with a very high mortality rate.

"Your child has a left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia," Oleksandra heard when she came for a routine ultrasound at 33 weeks of pregnancy.

The doctors' prognoses were very, very unfavorable. To be more specific, the woman was informed that her daughter Mariya would need surgery, very urgently, possibly in the first seconds of her life. However, the hospital in their hometown of Vinnytsia was not yet ready for such complex surgeries on children. All they could do was advise her to go to the Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology in Kyiv as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a diagnosis with a very high mortality rate, even with proper surgical equipment and intensive care.

It's a defect of the diaphragm with the displacement of abdominal organs into the chest cavity, characterized by disorders such as pulmonary hypertension and hypoplasia. The mother didn't hesitate for a second whether to go or not. Mariyka's lungs might simply not work at birth, and the baby would suffocate before even entering the world.

Surgery in Kyiv was scheduled for the 38th week. The woman underwent a cesarean section, and immediately after, the child was placed in intensive care. Despite the fact that the baby could breathe independently, ventilation was still needed to prevent any unforeseen circumstances.

Two days later, the doctors were able to operate on the baby. The whole procedure lasted about three hours; the girl had an abdominal incision, and the hernia was removed. Another 4 weeks of rehabilitation were needed, and finally, Mariyka was home. According to doctors' forecasts, she will be fine. The first consultation is scheduled for May.

Mariya's mother is very grateful to the Charity Chain project – a joint project of the "Tvoya opora" foundation and the Guzema Fine Jewellery brand. Oleksandra found the strength to fight, just as support was found in this difficult and challenging moment. We are glad that there are those who will fight for the lives of these children – both parents and doctors, and all caring benefactors.