Dear sponsor,
Greetings! My name is Valentyna, and I am writing to you as the mother of Ivan. I have six children: three from my first marriage and three from my second. My youngest son, Ivan, is a special child. He has a serious illness (encephalitis with meningitis, epilepsy, first-group disability). Ivan cannot walk, does not speak, does not know letters, and does not attend school. He cannot take care of himself, is constantly in diapers, and cannot eat or dress without help. He often experiences severe seizures. Ivan enjoys playing with soft toys, and he especially loves it when his brothers and sisters spend time with him.
I will be writing letters to you on his behalf, because he cannot do so himself. It is important for me to share our life with you so that you can understand our difficulties and support us in your prayers. I ask God to give me strength to navigate this challenging journey. We sincerely thank God and you for any help, even the smallest. Food or any other support brings great joy to our family and hope to my heart. Your attention and care are especially valuable to us.
Thank you for your kind and sincere heart. May the Lord richly bless you and your family.
With respect and gratitude,
Valentyna, mother
CASEWORKER’S COMMENTS:
Meet Ivan, a quiet soul whose presence is a blessing to all who know him. His family lovingly calls him a gift from God, and though he cannot speak or move freely, his life radiates a profound tenderness. Ivan spends his days lying peacefully, clutching soft toys that bring him comfort. His eyes brighten when his siblings gather near, and though words escape him, his joy is unmistakable. Their laughter becomes his language. Their touch, his anchor.
Ivan was born in 2016 with a severe neurological condition—encephalitis with meningitis and epilepsy, that has shaped every aspect of his life. He cannot walk, talk, feed himself, or express his needs. He often retreats into a quiet world of his own, shielding his face from the overstimulation around him. Yet within that silence lives a quiet strength resilience that defies explanation. Classified as a first-group child with a disability, Ivan requires round-the-clock care. His body is fragile, prone to seizures and pain, and even gentle touch can be unbearable due to severe tendon tightening. He wears diapers, sleeps on a mattress that must be changed often, and relies entirely on others for every basic need. Formal education is not possible, but Ivan finds joy in the simple soft textures, warm smiles, and the loving presence of his family.
His mother, Valentyna, is his full-time caregiver, unable to work outside the home. His father, Mykhailo, works as a locksmith despite suffering from painful hernias. Together, they raise six children, three from Valentyna’s first marriage and three from her second alongside their elderly parents, all living in a deplorable four-room house owned by relatives. The home is heated with firewood, the kitchen is small, and there is no toilet or shower. Despite these hardships, the Plotnyk family is bound by love, respect, and an unshakable devotion to one another. But the financial strain is immense. Most of their resources go toward Ivan’s essential needs, diapers, specialized nutrition, and medical care. They are not asking for much. They are simply asking for help.
Support for Ivan could be life changing. It would ease the burden, provide Ivan with the care he deserves, and allow this courageous family to continue their journey with dignity and hope. Ivan may never speak a word, but his life speaks volumes. It tells a story of unconditional love, of quiet bravery, and of the beauty that exists even in the most fragile lives. With your help, that story can continue and shine even brighter.
