Living with Cerebral Palsy in Ukraine
Daniel is a young man living with cerebral palsy in Ukraine.
When Daniel was born, he did not breathe.
Doctors fought to save his life—and they succeeded. But in the fragile hours that followed, his mother Anna received devastating advice: she was encouraged to abandon her child and place him in institutional care.
She refused.
“He is my son. I will fight for him.”
That decision would shape the next 18 years of her life—and ultimately, Daniel’s future..
Growing Up Against the Odds
Daniel was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a condition affecting his movement and physical development. For years, Anna devoted everything she had to his care.
Despite limited income and the loss of social support, she pursued every opportunity to improve Daniel’s quality of life—from rehabilitation programmes and therapies to long journeys for specialist care.
And slowly, beautifully—progress came.
- Daniel began to respond to voices
- He learned to express emotion through smiles and movement
- He developed awareness of the world around him
- He found joy in music, nature, and human connection
These may seem like small milestones—but for Daniel, each one is extraordinary, especially for a family navigating life with cerebral palsy in Ukraine.
Years of Support Along the Journey
Throughout this journey,our team has supported Daniel and his mother for many years.
Over the years, we have provided food parcels, medicines, clothing, and essential supplies, helping the family through periods of financial strain and uncertainty.
We have also supported access to medical care and important examinations, ensuring that Daniel’s condition is monitored and that Anna has the guidance she needs to continue caring for him.
Just as importantly, Anna has not been left alone emotionally.
Through our partner, Children’s Hearts Ukraine, she is part of Mums Club—a safe and supportive environment where mothers of children with complex needs can connect, share their experiences, and receive psychological support.
This community has become a vital source of strength and encouragement for her.
New Challenges in Adulthood
Today, Daniel is 18 years old. As a result, life has become more difficult.
He is now too heavy for his mother to carry alone. The family lives on the fourth floor of an apartment building, and frequent power cuts mean that the lift often does not work.
Without it, Daniel cannot leave the building.
At the same time, the family has lost a key source of support. Daniel’s uncle, who helped financially and physically with his care, has been called into the army.
Anna is also facing ongoing legal challenges to ensure Daniel is not wrongly placed on military service records as he transitions into adulthood.
All of this has made daily life more difficult—and more isolating.
A Window to the World
This is where your support becomes truly life-changing.
Because Daniel cannot leave the building on his own, our team steps in to help. They regularly visit and take him outside—often into nature, where he feels happiest.
These are not just small outings. They are his only window to the world.
Each trip becomes a moment of joy, emotional relief, and connection—something that simply would not happen without support.
Daniel’s story is a powerful reminder of something very simple, yet deeply important: Every life is precious.
He was once a child who was expected to be forgotten.
But because his mother chose love—and because of your support—he continues to experience life, connection, and joy.
With your continued support, we can ensure that Daniel keeps experiencing the world beyond his walls—and that more families facing hardship are not left alone.
Thank you for standing with them.
Although Daniel has now reached adulthood, his needs have not changed.
Due to his severe disabilities, he remains fully dependent on care and support in every aspect of daily life. In Ukraine, there is very limited provision for young adults in his situation, and families like his are often left without adequate support.
That is why our commitment does not end when a child turns 18.
We continue to stand alongside Daniel and his mother—providing practical help, emotional support, and opportunities for connection—ensuring that he is not forgotten simply because he has become an adult.
Because we believe that care, dignity, and compassion should not have an age limit.
