Artem

Help Artem receive operations on his face.

We first came across Artem's photo in a Facebook post made by a Ukrainian pastor, Gennadiy Prosyanko. We usually read of all the good works—feeding local civilians, praying with front-line soldiers in eastern Ukraine, etc.—that pastor Gennadiy does on a daily basis. Then we say a short prayer and move on. Seeing 7-year-old Artem Nikolenko in Krasnogorovka’s photo, we paused. we asked ourselves, what can we do to help this beautiful child of God? His facial deformities can be corrected, can’t they? He doesn’t have to grow up looking like this, does he? What’s missing here? The answer was - will. Not his or his family’s will, but our will. All that was needed was for us to take action, not to just move on. So here we are, asking all who read these words and view these photos to help this boy continue his life without a burden that can easily be lifted from his face if we all come together and help him and his family out.  

Artem had his first operation earlier this year on his upper lip and is scheduled for an operation around his left eye on September 29th in Kyiv. Our pledge is to keep this campaign going to help with medical bills until all of Artem’s needs are covered. Already his family has saved funds for half of this month’s operation on his eye, and more operations are planned for early 2022. They have asked for help with September’s costs. We will contribute and provide accounting records as well as updates on Artem’s progress as he heals. Thank you and God bless you!

Updates

June 8, 2022 by Dennis Jans, Organizer

OPERATION SCHEDULED - After a positive pre-surgery examination earlier this week, young Artem will have an operation on his cheek on Friday, June 10th in Kyiv. Your prayers are requested, and any donations collected will be used for medicine, medical supplies, housing and transportation for his mom Svetlana, who will remain with Artem for the surgery and the recovery period. Thanks to all who contribute. Your prayers and positive thoughts are greatly appreciated.

May 16, 2022 by Dennis Jans, Organizer

It's soon time for Artem's cheek operation! After some understandable delays, Artem's doctors have planned a very important operation to remove the tumor from his cheek. The surgery will be performed in Kyiv at the end of May. We believe this will dramatically improve Artem's appearance and self-confidence. The doctors and hospital are providing their services and care at no cost, but there will be some expenses for the anesthesiologist and medicines. We also want to make sure transportation and a small present for Artem are provided. Here he is on a swing last weekend. We can't wait to see how he looks after surgery and reduction of any swelling. We are praying for you Artem! Any financial assistance is greatly appreciated. The goal is for $1,000 USD.

November 7, 2021 by Dennis Jans, Organizer

Here is a recent photo of Artem with the eye patch off and stitches removed. Please notice how his eyes have become much more balanced and even. Next up - an operation on his cheek some time in the spring. If anyone wishes to donate for a Christmas present for him, thank you in advance. We will start collecting for his cheek operation after the New Year starts.

October 3, 2021 by Dennis Jans, Organizer

Artem and his mom were in Kyiv this past week for the operation around his left eye. The procedure was a success, and he will return to Kyiv in 2 weeks to get the stitches removed. The next operation will be on his cheek. No date set for it yet.

Thanks to all who donated and prayed for the success of Artem's surgery. Between this and other fundraising, we were able to cover 28,000 Ukrainian hrivnas (pronounced "greev-na" - approx. $1,050) of the 72,400 UAH ($2,700) cost for the operation. That's roughly 40% from our combined efforts!

Artem's mother provided these pre- and post-operation photos. I'll get another one in a few weeks after the stitches are out and the bandage is removed. Thanks again to everyone for your donations and prayers.

September 8, 2021 by Dennis Jans, Organizer

First operation (upper lip) a success! Look how much his face has improved already! Next is an operation on and around his left eye. It’s scheduled for September 29, 2021 if funds can be raised before then. The bill is shown here. Approximately half has been raised by his family, but they need help with the other half and with future operations on Artem’s cheek. Together we can do this!