As part of the Mother’s Day initiative by Lancôme and Tvoya Opora, 1,000,000 UAH was raised to fund life-saving surgeries for children.

Against All Odds: Marta’s Journey to a Healthy Heart

Even amidst the full-scale war, life finds a way. Often, it begins with a hard-fought battle — even for those yet to be born. That was the case for our little hero, Marta.

In the first year of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Marta’s parents received devastating news. At 25 weeks pregnant, during a routine ultrasound at a private clinic in Kyiv, doctors detected a serious heart defect. Further examination at Ohmatdyt Children's Hospital confirmed their fears — Marta was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot, a complex congenital heart condition.

The family began treatment in Uzhhorod. Right after birth, Marta was rushed to intensive care at the regional hospital, where doctors fought for her life for ten long days. Once discharged, she spent the first three months at home gaining strength and weight, preparing for what lay ahead.

There were many more hurdles to come — regular check-ups, ultrasounds, and tests. After follow-up visits in Uzhhorod and Mukachevo, Marta and her mother were referred to the Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery in Kyiv. There, doctors confirmed she needed urgent heart surgery.

When Marta turned one, the family returned to the Institute for the operation. The surgery lasted five hours — the defects were finally repaired. Marta spent another three weeks in intensive care due to complications, but at last, she was strong enough to return home.

Thanks to the Mother’s Day initiative by Lancôme, we were able to provide Marta with all the necessary medications during her stay at the Amosov Institute and support her throughout her recovery.

Marta’s mother believes her daughter has a bright, creative future ahead — and we believe it too.