Melisa from Chernivtsi was developing normally. She just started walking a bit later than most children — at one year and four months — and at first doctors didn’t see any problem with it. But then she began to lose her skills: she stopped standing up or walking on her own. Soon she became very slow, unable to stand even with support or to crawl.

Tests revealed a large brain tumor. It was removed during a complex 14-hour surgery at the Clinical Center of Children’s Healthcare in Lviv, where Melisa continues her treatment today. She now spends one week in the hospital for chemotherapy, and the following week recovering at home.

There are so many doctors and medical procedures in Melisa’s life that she has even stopped being afraid of them.

But courage alone is not enough to overcome such a serious disease. For children like Melisa to have everything they need in this fight, your support is essential.

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