Mariika Artikulna's saved heart ❤️

Mariika was born with pneumonia that was complicated by respiratory failure, moderate neonatal pulmonary hypertension, and hypoxic‑ischemic injury of the CNS. A few hours after birth the girl was taken to the intensive care unit at the regional center. She spent half a month in Poltava, where, thanks to the professional actions of the doctors, the illness was overcome. During numerous examinations it was discovered that Mariika had a patent arterial duct. Initially there was hope that it would close on its own, but unfortunately that did not happen.

Later the child began to tire quickly, a heart murmur was detected, and she was referred for a cardiologist consultation. Doctors from the Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery examined Mariika and said that she needed an endovascular closure operation, which, fortunately, is performed without surgical intervention. However, to correct the defect it was necessary to purchase an implant.

The family couldn't afford to purchase it on their own. And they couldn't delay treatment, because this defect can increase the workload on the heart and also lead to frequent lung illnesses.

Fortunately, our regular donors – the donors from the dobro.ua platform – quickly supported the project we published, and we were able to promptly purchase a cardiac implant. The doctors at the Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, as always, performed the surgery to correct the defect professionally, and now the little one feels wonderful!

Thank you to everyone who becomes part of these amazing acts of kindness!