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A Champion’s Heart: Illya’s Journey to the Game of His Dreams

Illya’s story began even before he was born. During a routine ultrasound at 30 weeks of pregnancy, doctors informed his mother of a rare congenital heart defect — Ebstein’s Anomaly. To confirm the diagnosis, she was referred to top specialists in Kyiv. First, she visited the Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and Gynecology (IPOG), and then the Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery. There, doctors advised her to return after giving birth for further examination of her baby.

Illya was born in 2017 at IPOG, and just three days later, he and his mother were rushed by ambulance to the Amosov clinic. Fortunately, doctors determined that no immediate surgery was needed. The only requirement was for the mother to bring Illya in for a check-up every three months during his first year.

By 2021, a routine screening revealed that Illya’s right atrium had enlarged and his valve was deformed. Although the heart was still functioning well, doctors kept a close eye on the development. Illya was a happy and active boy, full of dreams — he wanted to become a builder like his grandfather. Another dream? To have a soccer field, a ball, and a goal of his own. Sadly, he couldn’t play due to his heart condition. Watching the game from the sidelines was all he could do.

Then, in 2022, everything changed. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Life for every Ukrainian turned upside down. Fear was everywhere. For Illya’s mother, the fear became unbearable. The threat of war now loomed even larger than her son’s condition. The family decided not to travel to Kyiv, which was under constant missile and drone attacks.

It wasn’t until two years later, when the attacks had eased, that the family found the courage to leave their small town and bring Illya to the capital. But time had taken its toll. Illya’s heart had grown significantly, and his tricuspid valve had severely deformed, even slipping into the ventricle. The situation had become critical.

Doctors made the decision to operate immediately. Illya faced the surgery bravely. His only question to his mom was:
“Will I be able to play football with my friends after this?”

During the six-hour operation, surgeons reconstructed the right atrium and repaired the tricuspid valve. His parents waited outside the OR, hearts pounding. When the doctor finally came out and said everything went well, their joy was overwhelming.

Illya has since been discharged and is recovering well. His dream of playing soccer may finally come true — soon, he might run across a field with his friends, healthy and happy.

Illya and his family are incredibly grateful to Lancôme, who provided all the necessary medications and medical supplies used during the surgery and post-operative care. Their support came through the "Big Little Heart" project for St. Nicholas Day 2023.