В рамках ініціативи Lancôme та «Твоя опора» до Дня матері вдалося зібрати 1 000 000 грн на операції дітям. Розповідаємо історії пацієнтів, які отримали шанс на здорове життя

No Symptoms, Then a Shocking Diagnosis: Mark’s Story

At first, baby Mark’s life was just like that of any healthy newborn. He was thriving, hitting every milestone, bringing joy with each smile and every step. His parents couldn’t have imagined that anything was wrong — he was developing exactly as he should.

But everything changed when Mark turned six months old. During a routine check-up, the pediatrician heard an unusual heart murmur and immediately referred him for an ultrasound. The results left his parents in shock: Mark had a congenital heart defect. These conditions often involve abnormalities in the structure of the heart, its valves, or major blood vessels — all of which can impair how the heart functions.

At the Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, specialists confirmed the diagnosis but determined that Mark was still too small to undergo surgery. His parents held on to hope and waited patiently for him to grow stronger and reach the required weight.

In August 2023, after a follow-up examination, doctors announced that Mark was ready for surgery. After thorough diagnostics and tests, he was taken into the operating room. Over the course of three hours, surgeons corrected the heart defect by restructuring blood vessels and repairing the septum. Septal defects are one of the most common congenital heart issues and can severely affect heart function.

It was a major operation, but a successful one — no additional surgeries would be necessary.

His parents were overwhelmed with worry during the process — the surgery, the ICU, the recovery. But everything went well. Now Mark can look forward to a full and healthy life — and he already has a dream: to become a pilot and fly his own airplane.

Every year in Ukraine, around 4,500 children are born with heart defects. Even during full-scale war, 99% of them can be treated — if help is provided in time.

Thanks to Lancôme, we were able to supply the vital medications needed for Mark’s operation and his stay at the Amosov Institute. With the support of partners like Lancôme, the “Big Little Heart” project by Tvoya Opora Foundation continues to improve the lives of children with heart conditions — and to save them.

You can help too.
Your donation helps us purchase life-saving medications and surgical supplies for children like Mark.
Every gift is a chance to save a life.