When Zlata was born, her parents couldn’t get enough of their little princess. So tiny and delicate — she became the greatest joy in their lives. Her older brother wouldn’t leave her side, and mom and dad were already dreaming of what her future would look like.

But at just three months old, their world was shaken. During an ultrasound, the doctor noticed something that shouldn’t be in a tiny heart.
“Don’t worry — it happens sometimes. It might close on its own by six months,” the doctors said.
And so began a time of waiting, filled with prayers and hope.

But when Zlata turned six months, it became clear: waiting was no longer an option.
The hole not only hadn’t closed — it had grown. Surgery was urgently needed.

Four hours outside the operating room. Four hours that felt like an eternity.
And finally, the words they longed to hear:
“The surgery was successful. Zlata’s life is no longer in danger.”

Zlata can’t yet tell us her dreams — but we believe with all our hearts: what matters most is that she now has the chance to live, laugh, explore the world, run, play, and hug her big brother.

Zlata received this chance — and all the necessary medications during surgery and her stay at the Amosov Institute — through the “Big Little Heart” project, made possible by Lancôme Official for St. Nicholas Day 2023.

Many more children with heart defects are still waiting for their life-saving surgery.
Without our help, their future remains at risk.

Support the “Big Little Heart” project. Every donation is another heart saved!