Margaritka

Margaritka needs an operation on her spine!

Young Margaritka from Bohorodchany, Ukraine, needs a spinal operation—and soon! 

Ukrainian charity leader Marta Levchenko wrote this: "To save her life, if the little one doesn't have a planned spine surgery as soon as possible, the baby will turn into a plant because her hump is crushing her spinal brain more and more! Also, he presses the organs, lungs... the little one is already hard to breathe, swallow... sit.. she can't walk anymore!

Mom is a single country teacher and they can't handle it without help, I'm very asking you to help!!!"

Updates

September 22, 2021 by Dennis Jans, Organizer

It's mid-September and Margaritka is still healing, slowly but steadily, from her springtime operation in Germany. Her mom has reported that she is happy and attending the 1st grade in school. Here are mom Nadia's words from our chat last weekend (sorry for the not so great translation): "We are waiting for everything to heal. Margaritka needs long-term rehabilitation to get back on her feet. The doctor will tell us when we can do it intensively."

"Now I am developing her legs, and the doctor categorically forbade her to touch her back and spine, because there is a risk that everything could collapse again."

Thanks again for all donations. I will continue collecting funds for Margaritka's future operation(s) and physical therapy as long as possible. I will make a video with her on my next visit to Ukraine, hopefully in October or November. I'll end this update with a photo from Margaritka's first day of school on September 1st. Blessings to all you generous heroes!

March 26, 2021 by Dennis Jans, Organizer

It is Friday, March 26th, 2021 and Margaritka is recovering after a big day of surgery yesterday. Her mom wrote this message:

"Congratulations! Yesterday I could not answer you ... It was a difficult day. The operation lasted 10 hours. The doctors are satisfied with the result. Margaritka is now in the intensive care unit under close supervision. It seems that everything is normal. she is there alone ... Thank you very much for your support !!! I will write as I can ...

I will post a new update after the results of the surgery and the healing process are more well-known.

March 21, 2021 by Dennis Jans, Organizer

In an incredible effort to help Margaritka, many charities created fundraising campaigns early this year for her initial spinal operations in Germany. They raised $50,000 in an amazing outpouring of love and support!

On February 1, 2021, Margarita and her mother Nadia traveled to Bochum, Germany for the exams, operations, and physical therapy activities. After the first surgery, lasting 10 hours, Margarita has been recovering in the hospital with her mother by her side. Soon the doctors will analyze the latest x-rays and prepare the next step of her operations. Margaritka turned 6 just a week ago on March 12th. She lies in traction with a stabilizer ring around her head, but her mom is there to keep her company and attend to her needs.

March 21, 2021 by Dennis Jans, Organizer

There is a lot of good news these days about Margaritka! I will start with a video I hesitated to post here because it may be hard to watch for some. Do not worry - little Margaritka is receiving medical help now. I think it's important to remember where she started from, so please consider this a "flashback" update, with new good news to follow.

November 9, 2020 by Dennis Jans, Organizer

Here’s a Facebook link for her: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100019108052394 

November 9, 2020 by Dennis Jans, Organizer

This spine needs straightening!