We are a family from Kherson, Ukraine, facing the dangers of war daily—drones, bombs, and constant threats outside. My daughter, Zlata, needs heart surgery. We discovered her condition when she was three months old and monitored her progress carefully, hoping the opening in her heart might heal on its own. But eventually, doctors confirmed that surgery would be necessary.

In early 2022, a surgeon from Kiev was scheduled to come to Kherson to perform Zlata’s surgery, but with the full-scale invasion on February 24, everything changed. Our city was occupied, and the surgery was cancelled indefinitely. As the months went by, attempts to arrange the surgery were repeatedly interrupted by the destruction around us and the challenges of our war-torn city.

Finally, in June, the Children’s Hospital reached out to discuss a potential opportunity for Zlata to receive surgery in the United States. Nervous yet hopeful, we began to plan, gathering paperwork and meeting with Serhii to discuss details. With help from Ukraine Children’s Aid Fund, we were able to arrange travel. Viktoriia accompanied us, assisting in airports and guiding us on our journey.

I am incredibly grateful for the support and generosity of those who have made this possible. We are now in the United States, waiting for Zlata’s surgery, filled with hope that she will soon receive the treatment she needs. Thank you to everyone who has helped us along the way—your kindness means the world to us.