Alisa is her mother’s little miracle, a ray of light and sunshine that warms every day. At just two years old, she has already taught adults the most important lesson—to value every breath and every heartbeat.

The girl was born with a congenital heart defect—a secundum atrial septal defect. This means that there is an opening between the two upper chambers of the heart through which blood mixes improperly. As a result, her small heart has to work under excessive strain, and her body does not receive enough oxygen. That is why Alisa became tired more quickly than other children, and her heart needed help every single day.

The surgery lasted more than three hours. For a two-year-old girl, these were hours of struggle for a healthy childhood, for the chance to run, laugh, and grow without limitations. Behind the closed doors of the operating room, doctors did everything possible to ensure that her little heart would begin to beat evenly and calmly.

Alisa has her whole life ahead of her and countless dreams. Today, she dreams of becoming a hairdresser or an artist—to create beauty, paint the world in bright colors, and bring joy to others. Now, thanks to timely treatment, these dreams have a real chance to come true.

Alisa’s surgery and treatment became possible thanks to the generous support of the Lancôme brand, which helped the family at their most difficult moment. It was this support that ensured the provision of all necessary materials and medications.

The assistance was provided within the framework of the “Big Little Heart” project for St. Nicholas Day 2024—a project that gives children not just treatment, but the most precious gift of all: a chance at a life filled with light, hope, and a happy future.