It is difficult for us to put these words into writing. We thought the worst was behind us for our daughter, Natalka—that she would not have to return to the hospital room. But life has dealt us another cruel blow. A tumor has reappeared in her head, and it is growing rapidly. Surgery is scheduled for January, leaving us just a month to raise the necessary funds. We are turning to you, asking for help, because without support, the chance to save our daughter may slip away.
Natalka’s journey began in 2023, when she was eight years old. What started as seemingly minor symptoms—headaches, vomiting during the night—soon escalated into a life-threatening crisis. At first, doctors prescribed antibiotics, hoping to address a simple infection, but her condition did not improve. Growing increasingly worried, we sought private consultations, an EEG, and the care of a neurologist. Every day was filled with anxiety; we did not know what was happening, and we feared the worst.
A referral to the hospital for urgent examination brought clarity, but also horror. A CT scan revealed a tumor in Natalka’s brain, over 4 centimeters in size. Within hours, she was on the operating table, facing the first of many battles. The wait for biopsy results was agonizing—a week that stretched endlessly. Finally, the news arrived: Natalka had a malignant brain tumor. Our lives were turned upside down. The fear, shock, and helplessness we felt were indescribable. Suddenly, childhood was no longer safe for our little girl, and we were thrust into a world of oncology wards, chemotherapy, and uncertainty.
Natalka began life-saving treatment immediately. She underwent four cycles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The treatment was grueling, physically exhausting, and emotionally draining, yet she faced it with courage beyond her years. Each day, every infusion, and every radiotherapy session was a step toward survival. After completing the treatment, an MRI showed traces of residual tumor that were deemed inoperable. The medical team recommended regular follow-up MRIs, offering cautious hope that the cancer might remain under control.
But that hope was short-lived. During a routine checkup, the MRI results left us in shock once again. The tumor had grown by 14 millimeters since the previous scan in January. The reality hit us like a thunderclap: time was running out. Immediate intervention was critical. We knew that we could no longer wait.
In desperate pursuit of the best possible care, we reached out internationally and contacted a clinic in Tubingen, Germany. Their response was urgent: surgery was required immediately. Delaying even a single day could endanger Natalka’s life. With the operation scheduled for January, the pressure is immense, and the costs are staggering. This surgery is our daughter’s only hope, and we are doing everything in our power to raise the necessary funds.
Natalka is not just fighting for herself. She has three younger sisters who dream of nothing more than to see their big sister healthy, happy, and able to play freely again. Every laugh, every hug, every moment of joy that Natalka can experience matters to them, just as it matters to us. We are united in our determination to save her life, to give her the chance to grow, learn, and enjoy the childhood she deserves.
We are asking for your support with all our hearts. Every donation brings us closer to the surgery that can save Natalka. Every act of kindness—sharing her story, offering encouragement, contributing what you can—helps keep hope alive. Time is critical, and every moment counts in this fight against a rapidly growing brain tumor.
Natalka’s courage inspires us every day. Despite her young age, she faces pain, fear, and uncertainty with bravery that humbles us. She is a fighter, a daughter, a sister, and a bright light whose life is worth every effort. With your help, we can give her the opportunity to continue living, to see more birthdays, to experience the joys of childhood, and to thrive beyond this disease.
Please, help us save our daughter. Join us in this battle. Every contribution matters. Every gesture of support is a step toward Natalka’s survival. Together, we can give her a future—one full of hope, health, and the chance to live the life every child deserves.
— Natalka’s parents