Kozachok Mariika

At first glance, you wouldn't think that this smiling little one with big blue eyes needs our help. Mariika was born on July 1 2016. On the third day after birth, the child received a grim diagnosis: congenital heart defect – an open arterial duct.

In three months the child was taken to the hospital with bronchitis, and during the examination the girl was also found to have anemia. After the bout of bronchitis, while undergoing an ultrasound, a significant worsening of the heart defect was detected. Now Mariika needs a thermal operation to close the arterial duct using an endovascular method, with the help of an intracardiac implant – an occluder.

At the Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, these procedures are performed free of charge, but the intracardiac implant must be purchased at the family’s own expense. Doctors advise against an open surgery because the child has anemia.

In December 2016, Mariika was again admitted to the hospital with bronchitis, so doctors recommend performing the operation as soon as possible. However, for a large family the sum of 76 826 UAH is unaffordable. Only the father works (as a janitor) and earns a minimum salary, while the mother is on maternity leave. The family has no home of its own and lives with the wife’s mother, who is retired.

But the family did not give up, and through social media with the help of acquaintances they have already raised 40 000 UAH. However, they cannot collect the remaining amount without our assistance, so the girl's relatives are appealing to all caring people: “Help save beloved daughter Mariika!” Let’s all together save Mariika’s little heart!

Full name: Kozachok Mariia Mykolaivna, 01.07.2016

City: Kyiv

Diagnosis: congenital heart defect – patent arterial duct

All details and documentation are here.