As part of the Mother’s Day initiative by Lancôme and Tvoya Opora, 1,000,000 UAH was raised to fund surgeries for children. We are sharing the stories of young patients who were given a chance at a healthy life.

When Strength Is Born with the Heart: Khrystyna’s Story

Khrystyna’s life — and that of her family — began with a test of strength and resilience. At birth, doctors diagnosed her with a congenital heart defect. They initially believed she might outgrow the condition without surgery. But that diagnosis marked the beginning of a long and uncertain journey.

Over the years, Khrystyna frequently battled illnesses. Infections like tonsillitis and pneumonia became a regular threat. One of the hardest moments came when she had chickenpox at just three years old. Around the same time, the family received another alarming piece of news: her mother, Halyna, also had a congenital heart defect. The possibility of a hereditary condition raised serious concerns and made them question the underlying reasons for Khrystyna’s fragile health.

Despite everything, Khrystyna lived an active and healthy lifestyle. She showed no visible symptoms and rarely complained. Still, even at seven years old, doctors had not been able to provide a clear diagnosis — leaving her health status a troubling mystery.

Everything changed that summer, just before the new school year. During a routine medical check-up in Vinnytsia, doctors noticed alarming changes in Khrystyna’s heart and immediately referred her to the Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery in Kyiv for detailed testing.

In Kyiv, the family received shocking news: Khrystyna needed urgent open-heart surgery.

The very next day, she was on the operating table. During the 3.5-hour operation, surgeons repaired a septal defect. It was a complex and critical procedure, but a successful one — no further surgeries would be required. After just one day in intensive care, she was moved to a regular ward, where her anxious parents were waiting.

This life-changing operation was made possible through the Mother’s Day campaign by Lancôme. The funds raised provided the essential medicines needed for Khrystyna’s surgery at the Amosov Institute.

The family has since returned home. Although the road to recovery continues, thanks to the successful intervention, Khrystyna now has a healthy future ahead. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment of congenital heart conditions.

Standard screening includes gathering medical history, performing echocardiography, and an ECG — simple steps that, in most cases, are enough to confirm or rule out such life-threatening conditions in time.