Kira was born in 2011. She has Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect. She is very loved by her family. She had her first heart surgery when she was only a few months old. Since then her heart has been closely monitored by the Kyiv Center for Cardiac Surgery. They knew she needed further surgery, but the associated risks were high. Finally last year the doctors decided she could not wait any longer. If she didn't have surgery, she would die.
She is a fighter and came through the surgery wonderfully! She will need a further surgery in 6 months. In the meantime she needs to take cardiac medications to prevent her from developing pulmonary hypertension. These medications are very expensive for a family who only have a small income.
If we meet our goal we will be able to purchase these medications for Kira for 6 months until her next surgery! Her family will be so relieved.
In Ukraine, parents of children with special needs are encouraged to hand their children over to state care. They are told their children are a burden on society. Children are sent to institutions where they are subjected to abuse and neglect. There is minimal support available to parents who fight to keep their children with them. Maya's Hope wants to help relieve some of the burden on these amazing parents and assist in keeping children with their families, where they belong.
