Thanks to the support of donors, Slava had open-heart surgery in Berlin last year. However, the defect he has requires three stages of surgical treatment. German specialists confirmed their ability to do the third and final surgery, but only when our son’s weight is 12-14 kg. But our little Slava doesn't eat well. His weight is just 10 kg and he has only managed to gain 1 kg over the past year. He is often short of breath, has coughing fits, and gets tired quickly. It breaks my heart to see that he is getting worse and worse. We found out about a hospital in the United States, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where this heart defect can be treated successfully. We sent Slava's records to the hospital. They are ready to accept us there. However, the cost is enormous. My husband's income and Slava's disability are barely enough to make ends meet as it is. Our eldest son is three years old and goes to kindergarten. I stay home with Slava all the time and can’t work.

Please don’t give up on us, please help!
Veronika Zharkova, Voronezh Region

It breaks my heart

2013-02-22