Roman Shcherba's rescued heart

At the end of September little Roman Shcherba from the Vinnytsia region turned one year old. From the first days of life he fought for a healthy heart – already in the maternity hospital doctors diagnosed the boy with a congenital heart defect – an open arterial duct. For the family this was a great trial.

The older brother Roman, 11‑year‑old Vadym, was also found to have a heart defect. Immediately, both children needed expensive treatment.

The family is large, raising four sons. Mother Kateryna is on maternity leave, and the only source of income is the father’s salary. Paying for the heart implants for the family on their own was impossible.

And goodness always finds its way.

Thanks to the donors of the NATUREL campaign “The Most Precious Birthday Gift,” a real miracle happened. In July, the co‑owner of the Ukrainian cosmetics brand NATUREAL and brand strategist for several well‑known beauty companies celebrated her birthday in a special way—instead of gifts she asked friends and colleagues to give children a chance at life. Thus a fundraiser was created, which collected money for three heart implants. It is thanks to this initiative that Roma’s little heart was saved.

The doctors at the Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery successfully performed an occluder‑based heart defect closure procedure for Romanova.

The operation saved the boy’s life and gave him a chance for a healthy, carefree childhood.

Heartfelt thanks to everyone who has joined this good cause.