Dear Friends,
Since starting my charity initiative to help Chernobyl Children’s Project International save the lives of children in Ukraine and Belarus, I’ve been most moved by the personal stories of the children. Every year, 6000 children are born in Ukraine with genetic heart disease. Half will not get the surgeries they need to survive and will die.
Six thousand children – such a large number! And yet Maxim’s story reminds me that behind the dry statistics are real children, each with unique personality and potential.
Six year old Maxim M., from Odessa, Ukraine, dreams of being a pop star. His mother is a bit more practical – she wants him to get a university education and become a doctor.
Less than six months ago both of these dreams were out of reach. Maxim was born with Ebstein’s anomoly, a rare cardiac defect with a dire prognosis. He had survived two serious operations – his first at only 12 days of age – but only a single chamber of his heart was left functioning. His devastated parents were told that we would likely die before adulthood.
When a volunteer cardiac surgery team sent by Chernobyl Children’s Project International met Maxim in August, his skin color was pale and his lips blue. He was underweight and noticeably small for his age, and his poor circulation left him unable to participate in normal activities. The volunteers examined Maxim and decided that his heart was strong enough for one more operation.
But during surgery Maxim’s heart – scarred from previous operations – failed four times and had to be shocked back to life. In the end his strong heart won the battle – I’ve been told that he can live a long, normal life without further surgery.
Maxim’s father long worked extra hours as a fisherman to raise funds to pay for a surgery to save his son’s life – but never raised enough. Though the generosity of supporters like you, Chernobyl Children’s Project International was able give Maxim his operation free. Finally, the biggest question weighing his mind (and that of his relieved parents) is: Pop star or doctor?
Maxim’s life has been saved, but many other children need our help, and we can do it if we join together. Please watch my public service announcement, and think about how you can help – with a donation, a purchase,volunteering your talents, or helping me spread the word.
Thank you, Oksana
Tags: charity, chernobyl, Chernobyl Children's Project International, children, Oksana Grigorieva, PSA, video