As part of the Mother’s Day initiative by Lancôme and "Tvoya Opora," we raised 1,000,000 UAH to fund life-saving surgeries for children. Today, we are sharing the stories of young patients who have been given a chance for a healthy future.

Artem is only 12 years old, yet he has already undergone two heart surgeries. The boy was born with a rare and complex condition — a common arterial trunk. Instead of two separate blood vessels, Artem had only one large artery carrying blood from his heart to both his body and lungs.
In such cases, immediate medical intervention is critical because the heart and lungs are placed under double strain, which can lead to heart failure or even death.

This heart defect develops during fetal growth. Although Artem’s mother experienced a healthy pregnancy with no warning signs, immediately after his birth in Vinnytsia, they were referred to the Amosov Institute in Kyiv. Doctors in Vinnytsia gave the newborn little chance of survival, and all hopes rested on the capital’s surgeons.
At just two months old, Artem was rushed to Kyiv and immediately prepared for surgery. It was a tremendous ordeal for such a tiny baby, but the operation was the only chance to save his life. In Kyiv, doctors implanted a valve prosthesis in Artem’s heart, allowing him to continue living — though under strict medical supervision and with ongoing treatment.

In September 2023, it became clear that the old valve could no longer support normal heart function. Artem managed to attend school only a few times, often feeling unwell and exhausted. He and his mother returned to Kyiv, where Amosov doctors confirmed the urgent need for another surgery.
During an eight-hour procedure, surgeons implanted a conduit — a biological implant — into Artem’s heart. A conduit, or artificial valve, is often used to correct congenital heart defects, helping restore normal blood circulation by replacing missing or malformed vessels.

It is still uncertain whether Artem will need additional surgeries in the future.
Young patients like Artem fight for every heartbeat — and alongside them stand the doctors and partners of our "Big Little Heart" project, who make it possible for another child to breathe freely.
We are sincerely grateful to Lancôme for providing the necessary medications and medical supplies during Artem’s stay at the Amosov Institute.