Kasian Artemchyk

Letter from a mother:

My little son Artemchyk is 11 months old. He is a very active, cheerful boy. But right after birth the doctors noticed a murmur in my baby’s heart. After examination we were diagnosed with a congenital heart defect – an open arterial duct. My husband and I really hoped that the duct would close by three months (I had read, and the doctors said, that this can happen). Unfortunately, the miracle didn’t occur and now we will need surgery…

Because of his congenital heart defect, Artemchik frequently suffers from bronchopulmonary infections that are hard to treat. We just cured a bout of pneumonia, and a week later he again has a high fever, cough, and needs antibiotics. During a consultation at the Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, our diagnosis was confirmed. We learned that the defect can be eliminated with an endovascular procedure using an occluder. Its price is 78 324 UAH.

For our family this is a very large sum. My husband and I have two children, and he also has a son from a previous marriage. I am currently on parental leave. Our household income for four people comes solely from my husband’s salary. After taxes and the alimony he pays, he receives on average 4 000 UAH per month. Part of the money goes toward repaying the loans we took out for household appliances. When we learned about the upcoming operation we began setting aside money, but we have managed to save only 10 000 UAH.

The operation must be done urgently. Delaying treatment of this defect is not possible, because it can lead to irreversible changes in the lung vessels, and an open arterial duct significantly increases the load on the heart, especially the left ventricle. In such a short time our family cannot raise the needed amount. Therefore we appeal for help to all caring people. Please help our little son become healthy!

“With hope, Mom”

Full name: Kasian Artem Oleksandrovych, 14.10.2015

City: Khorol, Poltava oblast

Diagnosis: congenital heart defect – patent arterial duct

All the details and documentation are here.