Ihor was only two years old when he became ill. He was too young to explain what hurt. All he could say was, “owie.”

He was treated at an infectious disease hospital, started feeling better, and then his condition worsened again. Doctors say that a viral infection triggered a rare form of blood cancer. His only chance was a bone marrow transplant.

Although the transplant itself looks much like a regular blood transfusion, the journey is anything but simple — for the child, the family, and the medical team. It begins with high-dose chemotherapy to prepare the child’s body for the donor cells, followed by the infusion of donor stem cells and a long period of engraftment, when many complications can arise.

Ihor and his mother spent nearly a month in a sterile hospital room.

“I was worried about how we’d get through it because it was the longest time he had ever been connected to an IV around the clock. But with dancing, cartoons, books, and toys, we managed surprisingly well. About 20 days after the transplant, we were finally allowed to see his dad in the changing area. Ihor held on to him for an hour without letting go. It was pure happiness,” his mother, Anna, recalls.

Ihor’s treatment is still ongoing.

Children who need bone marrow transplants receive comprehensive support from Tabletochki. We help cover the cost of medicines and medical tests, provide psychological and emotional support, and, when needed, temporary housing near the hospital. Later, we continue supporting children as they recover and return to everyday life.

Please become a monthly donor to help children have everything they need on their journey to recovery — today, tomorrow, six months from now, and for as long as they need it.