Ilya, 16 years old
But I don’t lose heart, because music and drawing bring me so many happy moments in life. When I feel sad, I pick up my flute or sing. My dearest dream is peace in Ukraine! I really want children not to die and adults not to suffer… And also, since I was about 10, I’ve had a little dream—I really want to go to Disneyland! I hope that someday my dreams will definitely come true!
Hello! This is Ilya’s mom, Olena. I’d like to tell you a little about our health issues… Ilya has had “disabled child” status since he was 8 years old. Diagnoses: at age 4, he underwent heart surgery (atrial septal defect), genetically confirmed lactose intolerance (C/C), neurogenic bladder, and mild intellectual disability. His disability status was assigned based on the combination of these conditions. In 2023, he received a preliminary diagnosis of Marfan syndrome (based on external signs of skeletal structure and posture). Confirmation requires very expensive tests in the U.S. Doctors said this isn’t necessary, since the syndrome is incurable. Only the conditions caused by the syndrome are treated… In March 2024, he underwent surgery related to neuromuscular dysfunction of the bladder. However, the stoma became obstructed on both sides, necessitating a repeat surgery in July 2024. Currently, the child has a permanent urostomy, which, unfortunately, does not function properly, so a urine bag is constantly attached to his body. For now, there is nothing more doctors can do. But we hope that medicine will continue to advance and that someday they will invent something so that these bags are no longer needed…
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More stories
Serhiy Babak, 17, Kharkiv Oblast
I dream of being healthy, getting an education, and living under a peaceful sky. Right now, I’m experiencing a relapse and undergoing another round of chemotherapy. I love building with LEGO; it helps me express my creativity and imagination. I dream of getting a LEGO set shaped like a motorcycle, since that’s another hobby of mine.
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Maria Chernyakevich, 13 years old, Odesa Oblast
I started drawing when I was a child, in art class. However, I’m also passionate about the arts, especially theater. That’s where I find my strength and inspiration. I dream of seeing the show “Cabaret.”
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Matviy Usaty, age 10, Mykolaiv Oblast
He loves to draw simple, beautiful pictures—it helps him find peace. He dreams of traveling, especially to Germany. One of his smaller dreams is to get tickets to an Artem Pivovarov concert, because music is healing too.
Denis, 12 years old, Poltava Oblast
After extensive tests, the boy was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He is currently undergoing treatment and preparing for a bone marrow transplant. Denis sings, engages in creative activities, makes friends, and takes his mind off his treatment, at least for a little while. Denis’s biggest dream is to get well. He also dreams of traveling to another country and performing on a big stage.
Leonid Sotnik, age 9, Zaporizhzhia
I dream of becoming a vlogger. I love drawing cars because someday I’m definitely going to have a cool car and drive it on a road trip across the U.S. My dream gives me the strength to keep going and believe in the future.
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Sofia, 15, Vinnytsia Oblast
I’m a very creative person. I love taking photos and being photographed, and I attended art school for over four years. I’m currently undergoing chemotherapy, but my talent inspires me and gives me strength. I dream of going to Paris.
Ksyusha, 10 years old
I love to draw and spread warmth and kindness to everyone around me. That’s why I actively participate in all kinds of workshops, especially art therapy sessions. Despite my illness—anaplastic lymphoma—I’m very brave and have a big dream: to become an artist! And when I grow up, I’m definitely going to get a hamster and a fox.
Ilaria Kryvda, age 10, Kherson
Ilaria is currently undergoing treatment at Okhmatdyt and needs a bone marrow transplant. Her dream is to become a fashion designer and travel to Paris. She is very creative and loves to draw, read, and play the piano.
Sasha Kozar, 13 years old
Sashko is very active and creative; he always looks forward to attending all the workshops held at the hospital. He’s full of life and always has a smile for everyone. He dreams of getting a scooter and going on vacation with his family.
Artem Dudushko, 13 years old
Artem is from the Donetsk region and is currently undergoing treatment in Kyiv. He is in the hospital with his grandmother, since his mom is with his little sister and his dad is a soldier. He really loves cars and dreams of taking a ride in one of the latest BMW models. Although the boy thinks he isn’t “very good” at drawing, he clearly understands that he finds strength and an outlet in it.
Yevheniy Dzhuzhuk, 14 years old, Kyiv.
In his free time, Zhenya loves building with LEGO. And these aren’t just small sets for fun—he chooses complex, large-scale models that require attention to detail, logic, patience, and consistency. Zhenya is currently undergoing rehabilitation after surgery, so LEGO is often his only source of comfort in the hospital. He dreams of a new LEGO set
Kristina Hryniuk, 17 years old, Khmelnytskyi Oblast
Christina has a big, kind heart, which is why she dreams of helping animals, opening her own shelter, and sharing her kindness and love with dogs. She loves to draw and do beadwork, and, like any girl, she dreams of high-quality skincare products.
Nastya Antonenko, 16 years old.
Nastya loves to draw and read because it helps her live life to the fullest. She dreams of getting better and of getting a dog—a Corgi. He’ll be her best friend.
Zakhar Ishchenko, 12 years old, Sumy
Before his illness, the boy was very active; he was always playing soccer and spending time outside with his friends, and he dreamed of becoming a soccer player. His illness changed his plans, and now he dreams of becoming an architect. He is very creative and loves to draw or sculpt with clay. He dreams of having a construction set
Margarita is 14 years old.
I love music, dancing, and playing sports. I’m sick right now, but I have complete faith in the future. I have one dream—to go home. I believe it will be great. I’m grateful for my good health.
Ilya, 16 years old
I love to draw. My mom says I have my own unique drawing style. I really enjoy drawing people and superheroes. I also play the flute and really love to sing. I used to sing in the school choir, but now, unfortunately, I have to study remotely. My illness prevents me from going to school and hanging out with my friends. I recently had surgery and now I have a stoma…
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