Before I share anything else, I want to begin with a simple but powerful word: thank you.
There is a vast ocean of suffering in the world. So many families, so many children, are fighting battles for their lives. And yet, so many of you chose to open your hearts to our little girl, Dorotka. The fact that you stood with us, that you believed in her, that you extended your kindness to our family — it moves me beyond words.
This summer, Dorotka grew taller, stronger, and prouder. She often smiles up at us and says, with her sweet little voice, “I am big now.” She is cheerful, full of joy, and her laughter is like sunlight pouring into our lives. To see her run, to hear her sing, to watch her discover the world around her — these are gifts we treasure every single day.
But behind every laugh is a shadow, a reminder of the journey we are on. A journey filled with doctors’ appointments, procedures, and moments of fear that never quite leave our hearts. Just two days ago, we were at an appointment with her cardiologist. Every time we step into that office, our hearts are full of anxiety. We know too well that a single test result can change everything. This visit, however, was especially important — it was the key to unlocking the next step in our fight for her life.
Dorotka, as you might imagine, is not a fan of medical examinations. She has endured so many already, more than any child should ever have to face. Each time, we have to reassure her, convince her gently, calm her fears, and remind her that she is safe. And once again, she found her courage. With tears in her eyes but bravery in her little heart, she let the doctors do what they needed to do.
And then came the news: we received the document we had been waiting for, the one that allows us to take her on the most important journey of her life — the journey to Boston.
Thanks to your incredible generosity, what once felt impossible has become possible. We have already been able to cover the cost of her surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital — one of the most advanced and specialized hospitals in the world. This was the single greatest financial burden, and because of you, it is now behind us. Words cannot express the relief and gratitude we feel.
We are now in contact with the hospital, preparing for her surgery in October. For us, this is more than a date on a calendar. It is a beacon of hope. It is the chance to give our daughter a future, a chance to let her grow up, to live, to dream, to simply be a child without fear.
But as life often reminds us, the journey is never as simple as we wish. There are new, unforeseen costs — expenses that we could not have predicted when we began this fight. Travel, accommodations, medications, and follow-up care all add up to an overwhelming sum. After years of struggling, of raising funds, of exhausting every personal resource, we are at a point where we cannot do this alone.
And so, we are once again asking for your help.
It is humbling to admit, after all the support you have already given us, that we need more. But we have learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is an act of love — because every request is not for us, but for our little girl. For her chance at life.
Every word of encouragement you send, every prayer you whisper for Dorotka, every donation you make — they all matter more than you can imagine. They give us the strength to keep going. They remind us that we are not walking this road alone. They show us that even in a world filled with challenges and pain, there are countless people ready to help, to carry one another through the storm.
I often think of the day when Dorotka is old enough to understand. I imagine sitting beside her, showing her the comments, the messages, the stories of strangers who became her friends. I imagine telling her, “Look, my darling, how many people stood with you. Look at the love that carried you through.” And I know it will shape her life forever — to grow up knowing that she was loved not just by her family, but by a whole community of people near and far.
Dorotka herself, though still so young, is already teaching us lessons in courage. She shows us how to laugh even when the world feels heavy. She shows us how to find joy in the smallest things — a song, a flower, a hug. And she shows us that even in the midst of illness, life can still be beautiful.
As her mother, I carry both fear and hope in my heart every single day. Fear of what could be lost. Hope for what can still be won. Some nights, when the house is quiet and she is asleep, I let the tears fall. I think of the battles ahead, the risks, the unknowns. But I also think of her smile, her laughter, her little voice saying, “I am big now.” And I know that every moment is worth the fight.
To everyone who has helped us, please know: you are part of this journey. You are part of every step she takes toward life, every breath she draws in, every beat of her heart. We would not be here without you.
The world, with all its pain, can sometimes feel dark. But when I look at the support we have received, when I see how many people have chosen to help, I know this world is still beautiful. Because it is filled with people who believe in kindness, in generosity, in love.
So, once again, thank you. Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for carrying us forward when our strength runs low. Thank you for being the light on the days when the fear feels overwhelming.
Please, continue to walk with us. Continue to hold Dorotka in your thoughts, your prayers, and your hearts. Together, we can give her the future she deserves. Together, we can prove that miracles are possible.
With love and eternal gratitude,
Dorotka’s Mother