Cancer Kids Ukraine

Alyona was born on March 15, 2006. She was developing as a healthy baby. When in September she got fever, the doctors didn’t suspect anything serious and prescribed her medications for the cold. One month later Alyona’s elder brother noticed some unusual glowing in her eyes. We took our daughter to the eye specialist who diagnozed her with retinoblastoma (malignant neuroepithelioma) of both eyes. Alyona started chemotherapy and completed two and a half block. But in May 2007 the doctors told us about the new tumors in both eyes. Usually, they give a one-month break to a child between two blocks of chemotherapy. But because of the new growing tumors Alyona could rest only for two weeks between the blocks.

          As a result, her general health deteriorated and we had to take her to the hospital again. Nobody knew what would happen. Her teeth were erupting. She also had stomatitis. The doctors could not diagnoze her in such condition. Alyona had very low blood count and had to spend a week in intense care unit, where she was receiving the blood transfusion and very strong antibiotics. The parents together with the church parish were praying for the girl and God answered their prayers: Alyona survived. In July 2007, the doctors decided to terminate the treatment and to perform the laser therapy (photocoagulation) on both eyes. Until April 2008, Alyona had been undergoing a long-term chemotherapy. She had to take Vincristine and Endoxan three times a week. But because she was falling sick quite often, we had to wait longer between taking the doses of these medications. In April 2008 the doctors told us that Alyona’s left eye had almost recovered and the vision in that eye had improved. But they also said Alyona had a new tumor in her right eye. In May they will have to decide whether enucleation is the only option. The doctors use the word “enucleation” to hide the truth from the parents and the truth is total removal of Alyona’s right eye.

You can reach Alyona’s father Victor at +38 098 253 4822

Victor does not have a bank account in US dollars. The only available option for him to receive financial help from you is Western Union. You may contact us for more information.