Mother’s Day Initiative: 1,000,000 UAH Raised for Children’s Surgeries Stories of Little Patients Who Got a Second Chance As part of a special Mother’s Day initiative, Lancôme and the Tvoya Opora Charitable Foundation raised 1,000,000 UAH to fund life-saving surgeries for children with congenital heart defects. Now, we’re sharing the inspiring stories of the young patients who, thanks to your support, received a second chance at life.

Born During War, Saved by Hope: Bohdan’s Story

Bohdan’s mother learned she was pregnant in the midst of a full-scale invasion. And in January of this year, little Bohdan entered the world — bringing both joy and a profound challenge to his family.

At his first medical examination, doctors diagnosed him with a congenital heart defect: pulmonary atresia, a serious condition in which one of the heart’s main arteries is either malformed or entirely missing. This defect disrupts blood circulation and can lead to heart failure and other life-threatening complications. For Bohdan’s family, the diagnosis came as a shock. There was only one right decision — immediate surgical intervention.

Bohdan was quickly transferred from Vinnytsia to the M.M. Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery in Kyiv. There, experienced specialists confirmed the diagnosis and advised the family to return for a follow-up after six months.

In the autumn, the family returned to Kyiv. Following a consultation, 9-month-old Bohdan was scheduled for surgery. For five long hours, while doctors operated, his mother prayed — thinking about the future they could build together.

The operation was a success: surgeons repaired the septal defects and corrected the heart malformation, allowing blood to circulate properly for the first time. It’s still uncertain whether Bohdan will need further surgeries, but his mother firmly believes he will grow up healthy and happy.

This was made possible thanks to the remarkable medical team at the Amosov Institute and the Mother’s Day initiative by Lancôme, held in partnership with our “Big Little Heart” project.