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.
Sofia Pokhodashcha is 15 years old and comes from the town of Khmilnyk in Vinnytsia Oblast. She is a very creative, sensitive, and strong young woman who, even during the difficult period of her treatment, has not lost her love for beauty, art, and her big dreams. It all began six years ago with back pain. Doctors searched for the cause, sent Sofia for an MRI, and it was then that they first detected a spinal cord tumor. Since then, she has undergone constant examinations, monitoring, and long-term observation. In September 2025, Sofia underwent her first surgery, after which the exact diagnosis was confirmed: a malignant cystic tumor of the spinal cord, a diffuse pediatric-type glioma. In total, she has already undergone two surgeries and is currently undergoing long-term treatment, which includes chemotherapy and rehabilitation. It’s a difficult journey that requires great courage, but Sofia tries to stay strong and not lose faith in her recovery. In her daily life, she is a very creative person. Sofia loves taking and being in photos, because for her, photography is a way to preserve important moments, the beauty of life, and her own emotions. She also studied at an art school for over four years, and drawing has become a special space of peace and inspiration for her. It is creativity that helps her distract herself from the daily grind of the hospital, process her experiences, and find inner strength. Besides drawing, Sofia loves listening to music, reading books, watching movies, dreaming about traveling, and simply imagining her future after treatment—bright, beautiful, and filled with new experiences. Her biggest dream right now is to fully recover, regain her strength, and return to her normal life. And after that, to fulfill her special dream—to go to Paris and see the Eiffel Tower with her own eyes. For Sofia, Paris is a place of inspiration, beauty, and true wonder. Her talent, love for art, and ability to see beauty even in difficult circumstances give her strength every day. Sofia’s story is the story of a young woman who, despite all the difficulties, continues to dream, create, and believe that there are still many happy moments and fulfilled dreams ahead.
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