Oleksandr Boiko is still very young, yet from his very first days of life his heart has been forced to fight. A congenital heart defect became a trial no one chooses, but one that must be endured.

At the Amosov Heart Institute, the most important day arrived for Sasha. Surgery to treat an aortic aneurysm lasted nearly six hours—six hours of tension, prayers, held breath, and faith. Behind the closed doors of the operating room, doctors fought for every beat of a small heart.

And they prevailed.

Today, Oleksandr is recovering, taking his first steps toward a full life, and dreaming again. His dream is simple and at the same time profound—to become a police officer, to protect people, and to be strong. Now that his heart has been given a chance, this dream is closer than ever.

Oleksandr’s surgery and treatment became possible thanks to the generous support of the Lancôme brand, which stood by the family at their most difficult moment. This support 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 help, but a chance at a life filled with light and a future.