**MAKSYM REQUIRES BOTH REGULAR AND MEDICAL SPONSORSHIP**
Dear sponsor,
My name is Maksym, and I am five years old. I live in a very beautiful city on the banks of the river. My mom works in the local municipal service, helping to keep our city clean.
I have two friends: Tymur and Ibrahim. Tymur, like me, has autism, and I find it easier to understand him and play with him than with other children. I love Christmas because there is lots of snow, and I help my mom decorate the tree with toys.
I go to kindergarten, which is not far from where I live. I like it there because there are many toys to play with. I also attend music lessons, where I enjoy dancing, and I like physical education because I can run and play with other children.
My favorite foods are fruit and sweets, but I don’t like meat. I also enjoy running at the playground. I don’t always know how to communicate with other children yet, but I am learning.
Thank you very much for helping my mom and me. She raises me alone, and it is not easy for her.
With love,
Maksym
CASEWORKER’S COMMENTS:
Maksym is a smart, gentle, and friendly five‑year‑old boy who finds joy in the simplest things — rolling his toy cars across the floor, tossing a ball, or cuddling his stuffed animals. He is a big helping hand to his mother, always putting his toys away after playtime. His cheerful spirit shines through, even though life has not been easy for him.
Because of his illness, Maksym can be temperamental, experiencing sudden mood changes and sometimes refusing to follow instructions from adults. Yet he is never aggressive, only occasionally stubborn, and always kind at heart. He quickly warms up to people, showing his gentle and friendly nature. In groups of children, Maksym prefers to quietly observe rather than actively participate, as his condition makes social connection more difficult.
Maksym has been diagnosed with autism, speech impairments, moderate intellectual disability, and flat feet. He also suffers from frequent nosebleeds, especially in winter when the dry air worsens his condition. Despite these challenges, he remains open to communication and embraces life with innocence and joy.
His mother raises him alone, carrying the heavy burden of care without support. Their journey has been marked by resilience. The family once lived in a village near Cherkasy, where Maksym was born. As an infant, nothing unusual was noticed, but over time his mother grew concerned when he did not respond to communication and would suddenly cry or scream without reason. When it was time to speak, Maksym did not say words, only nodded his head. His mother pleaded with her husband to take the child to doctors, but he refused. Determined, she took Maksym to the city herself, where he was diagnosed with autism. With no treatment options in the village, she made the brave decision to move to Cherkasy so her son could receive care. Her husband did not support this choice and refused to help. After their divorce, she completed Maksym’s full medical evaluation, registered him as a child with a disability, and enrolled him in an inclusive kindergarten group.
She now works in a municipal service, but her salary is minimal and barely covers rent, utilities, and Maksym’s treatment. The family’s nutrition is very limited. Meat, dairy, and fish are rare, mostly only during holidays. As a result, Maksym does not receive the nutrients and vitamins necessary for healthy growth and development. His frequent nosebleeds often force his mother to leave work to care for him, further worsening their financial situation.
Despite all difficulties, his mother remains diligent and caring. She works with him constantly, takes him to speech therapy, and sincerely believes that Maksym will gradually begin to speak. Her devotion is unwavering, but the weight she carries alone is immense.
The family rents a one-room apartment in a multi-story building. The overall condition is safe, though modest. All furniture belongs to the owners. Maksym has his own sleeping place — a fold-out chair. His mother keeps everything tidy and well-organized, with minimal kitchenware neatly arranged on the shelves.
Support through the sponsorship program would be life-changing for this family. It would improve Maksym’s nutrition, ensuring he receives the vitamins and proteins vital for his growth. It would provide necessary conditions for treatment and development, including speech therapy and medical care. It would reduce the financial burden on his mother, allowing her to focus on nurturing her son’s progress.
Maksym is a child full of light, kindness, and potential. His mother’s love and determination are extraordinary, but they cannot carry this burden alone. With the support of the HART and a compassionate sponsor, Maksym can thrive, grow stronger, and continue to share his gentle joy with the world. By sponsoring them, you are not only easing their daily struggles but also giving a little boy the chance to live a healthier, happier childhood filled with hope.
