Liliia Kalmazan

Lilii is only two and a half years old, and she urgently needs surgery to implant an intracardiac device (a coil) because she has a congenital heart defect—a perimembranous ventricular septal defect. Her parents have known about this defect since the child’s birth. Doctors had hoped the defect might close on its own without surgery, but now it is clear that an operation is unavoidable.

Every six months Liliia underwent a medical commission. However, the child’s frequent respiratory infections, high fevers and courses of antibiotics forced the family to travel to Kyiv for an examination at the Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery. After a thorough assessment, the doctors confirmed the diagnosis and explained that, unfortunately, without surgical intervention the defect will not close on its own and will only grow larger. This could later lead to heart failure in the child. They also advised avoiding any groups, kindergartens, etc., and limiting contact with other children to prevent any viruses before the operation. Liliichka needs an internal cardiac implant (a spiral) that will make her heart completely healthy. But for the family of a serviceman stationed in the ATO zone, the cost of such a spiral is unaffordable. With the help of relatives, acquaintances and the father’s comrades, the family managed to raise 50 000 UAH. The remaining amount—more than 50 000 UAH—cannot be collected without our assistance. Let’s join together and help Liliichka have a healthy heart!

Letter from a mother:

My name is Tetiana, we live in the town of Bilhorod‑Dnistrovskyi, Odesa region. Lili is 2.5 years old. A year ago we learned a terrible diagnosis – a congenital heart defect (“finger‑like” aneurysm of the perimembranous part of the interventricular septum with two openings at the top of a VSD). Doctors suggested monitoring every six months in the hope that the defect would close. Everything was calm until October, when our daughter happily started kindergarten. She fell ill immediately. The teachers were frightened and refused to accept us – Lili quickly gets tired, cannot stay awake, starts crying, develops a persistent cough and shortness of breath. Cardiologists also prohibited us from attending any group activities, New Year’s celebrations, etc. Today she lives in isolation from people and other children. Our older son goes to school and brings new viruses home. Now she is sick again, and each time the fever is higher and stronger, requiring antibiotics each time. We can no longer delay the operation.

Changes have appeared in the heart – the left atrium is enlarging. We suspected that surgery might be needed and quietly started collecting money, but we had very little funds. I am on leave to care for my child. I receive assistance of 1 012 UAH per month. Dad has been in the ATO zone for a year and a half (on his second rotation). With his salary (about 5 000 UAH per month) we had to buy uniforms and equipment, send food parcels. We also had to collect money for optics, car parts, bullet‑proof vests, etc. We turned to banks, but my husband was denied a loan because he already has a mortgage in his name, and I was given only 12 000 UAH. We appealed to relatives and comrades from service. Thanks to them we managed to raise 50 000 UAH. A humble bow to all of them. But this is not enough. We still need to raise another 50 000 UAH. There is nowhere else to get it. Our hope rests only on your kind hearts and the golden hands of doctors.

I ask everyone—please respond, give a child health and the joy of connecting with the whole world!

With gratitude, Liliia, mom and dad.

Full name: Kalmazan Liliia Volodymyrivna, 15.06.2013

City: Odesa region

Diagnosis: congenital heart defect – perimembranous ventricular septal defect

All details and documentation are here.