**MYKOLA REQUIRES REGULAR + MEDICAL SPONSORSHIP**
Dear sponsor,
Hi! My name is Mykola. I am 3. I live in a town. I have a big sister. She tells me about animals. We play lots. I learn new things every day. I live with my mama. We have a hamster. He is small and funny. I love him. When I go to grandma’s house, I run with the chickens. I give them food. I play with the dog and the cat too.
My best friend is Hanna. We play cars together. Vroom vroom! I don’t go to school yet. One day I want to. I like drawing. When I grow big, I want to be a police man.
At Christmas, I eat candy. I like songs too. In summer, I splash in water and play with friends. I like candy, soup, and porridge. On holidays we eat yummy food. Mama reads to me. I like that.
Thank you for helping me and my family. I want to know you. Do you have pets? Where do you live? What is your name? I can’t write yet, but I can draw you a picture. I would be happy if you write me a letter.
Me and my family pray for you. God bless you.
Love,
Mykola (and Mama, Oksana)
Caseworker Comments:
Meet Mykola. At just three years old, he is already full of life, joy, and personality. Cheerful and open-hearted, he has a way of leaving an imprint on everyone he meets. His laughter is contagious, his energy boundless, and his curiosity shines through in everything he does. Whether he is playing outdoor games with his siblings, drawing pictures, or helping his mother by carefully putting his toys away, Mykola’s spirit radiates warmth and love.
But behind his bright smile lies a difficult reality. Mykola was born with a heart condition, a left ventricular false tendon (atypical chord)—that requires regular monitoring by a cardiologist and may one day require surgery if his condition worsens. In addition, he has a weakened immune system, suffers from frequent viral infections, and battles anemia. He is under the care of a hematologist-oncologist, and his health needs constant attention and specialized care.
Despite these challenges, Mykola remains a happy, active child. He is deeply loved by his family, and his resilience is a powerful reminder of the strength found in even the smallest hearts. His mother, who is raising him and his siblings on her own, does everything she can to provide for them, but the burden is heavy, and resources are limited.
Mykola’s mother is raising three children entirely on her own. Each child has a different father, but none of them are present or provide support. She is currently on maternity leave caring for her youngest child and has no employment. The only consistent help she receives comes from her parents, the children’s grandparents—who live in a nearby village outside Zdolbuniv. They share vegetables and food from their garden and occasionally help with utility bills, but they themselves live on a very small pension and cannot fully support their daughter and grandchildren.
The family’s struggles are compounded by serious health concerns. All three children require medical supervision. Mykola’s eldest sister suffers from scoliosis, wears a posture corrector, and needs ongoing rehabilitation and treatment.
The family lives in a former dormitory that has been converted into apartments. They rent their unit from acquaintances and pay only for utilities. While the apartment has basic amenities such as a bathroom and toilet, the furniture is old, the rooms are in need of repair, and the children all share one small room where they sleep together. Though the living conditions are considered safe, they are far from adequate for children with ongoing health challenges.
Without stable income, without their own housing, and with the constant demands of medical care, Mykola’s family is living in very difficult circumstances. His mother carries the weight of responsibility alone, doing everything she can to provide love and stability, but the needs are far greater than what she can manage on her own.
Mykola’s story is one of resilience, love, and possibility. With your help, his future can be brighter, healthier, and filled with hope. Together, we can ensure that his laughter continues to echo through his home and that his family experiences the care and support they so urgently need.
