Baranov Vladyslav

I’m Vladyslav, I’m 17 years old, and I’m from Kharkiv. Right after I was born, doctors began hearing murmurs in my heart. I spent several stays in the cardiology department of ODKB 5 in Kharkiv, where I was diagnosed with “VVS (coarctation of the aorta with an open arterial duct).” To confirm the diagnosis, I was referred to the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery. There the diagnosis was confirmed, and I underwent an open operation to correct the coarctation of the aorta.

I was just 1.5 years old when they closed my arterial duct (end‑to‑end plasty). I don’t remember all the details, unfortunately, because I was so tiny, but the scar from the operation stayed as a lifelong reminder. I remember how every year my mother would take me for check‑ups—ECG, heart ultrasound. I grew and developed like a healthy child. I really wanted to take up sports, but I understood that the road to them was closed for me because of restrictions on physical exertion.

Since childhood I have been involved in music, graduating from the Children’s Music School (DMSh) after nine years of accordion study. I took part in the “Young Virtuoso of Kharkiv” competition and won 1st place among 36 contestants. In school my achievements were in the exact sciences. I enjoy physics, mathematics, and computer science. I participated in contests and olympiads. At 16, with rapid bodily growth and certain loads, I began to notice a decline in my well‑being. I developed quick fatigue, headaches, a rise in blood pressure up to 180, and a heart murmur. During routine examinations the picture became clear: after 16 years I again have a narrowed aorta and I need a repeat operation.

CT confirmed this diagnosis (a picture of localized coarctation of the aorta). Unfortunately, medication cannot eliminate the narrowing of the aorta, and I have been advised to undergo balloon angioplasty and stenting. The implant costs 86 991 UAH, and my mother cannot raise that amount (she raises me on her own; our father left us when I was five). Our family’s income—alimony from my father of 250 UAH per month and my mother’s salary of 4 000 UAH—does not allow us to purchase the stent in the near future. With the help of relatives, my mother has already gathered 25 000 UAH, leaving 61 991 UAH still needed.

I really want to live! After all, this year I stepped onto a new threshold of life—I entered KhNURE. My dream is to become a leading specialist in IT technologies. My life motto: “Never give up, only weaklings give up.” I have never asked anyone for anything; I have achieved everything on my own, but given the situation I’m in, my desire to live, love, and learn, I am earnestly asking for your help! I love my mother very much, because I am her only child, and I cannot let her be left alone in this world. What do I dream of? Simply to live, to love, and to be loved. To cherish every moment, because our lives are unique! Sincere thanks to everyone for the help!

Full name: Baranov Vladyslav Eduardovych, 11.03.2000

City: Kharkiv

Diagnosis: congenital heart defect – coarctation of the aorta

All details and documentation are here.