When we first learned that we were going to be parents, we were filled with pure joy and excitement for the future. Our hearts were ready to welcome our child into a world full of love. But unfortunately, during the second trimester of pregnancy, our happiness was shattered. The test results came back, and we learned that I had contracted a toxoplasmosis infection. Our world turned upside down in an instant.

I took antibiotics for the rest of my pregnancy, hoping and praying that my daughter wouldn’t suffer the consequences. Ultrasound exams showed that Natalka was developing normally, and we held on to the belief that our daughter would be healthy. When she was born, she scored a perfect 10 on the Apgar scale. It was the relief we had been longing for. But as we prepared to leave the hospital, fate cruelly played a trick on us. A routine check-up revealed that Natalka had dilated ventricles in her brain. The doctors immediately began tests for congenital toxoplasmosis, and a lumbar puncture, along with an eye examination, confirmed the devastating diagnosis.

At that moment, our hearts broke. We had no idea what lay ahead for our little 3-kilogram baby. The disease had already taken its toll, leaving lasting effects: hydrocephalus, epilepsy, increased muscle tone, quadriplegia, and bilateral retinitis. Our baby, who had been healthy at birth, was now fighting for her life. The first six months of her life were spent in the hospital undergoing numerous painful tests, blood draws, and treatments. Her tiny veins couldn’t handle the constant intravenous fluids, and she had to endure multiple blood transfusions and six life-saving surgeries.

Despite everything she had already suffered, this was just the beginning of Natalka’s long and difficult journey. She has been fighting from day one, and we, as her parents, are doing everything we can to provide her with the care she needs. Today, at 3.5 years old, Natalka still cannot sit or walk independently. She relies on a specialized seat, a stroller, a car seat, an active stroller, a standing frame, and foot braces to help her with basic mobility. Although she understands everything around her, she can only say a few syllables. To express her needs, she uses alternative communication methods, which have become vital for her development.

The road ahead is long and full of challenges. Natalka suffers from vision problems that require ongoing therapy. She also undergoes intensive rehabilitation several times a year, including Vojta and Bobath therapy, manual phonics training, speech therapy, and neurologist consultations. She benefits from dog and music therapy, and she attends a specialized preschool where she is cared for by top specialists in their field. Even at home, we continue her exercises daily to give her the best possible chance for development.

Everything we do has a tangible impact on Natalka’s fitness and progress. But the road to independence for our daughter requires even more. To help her function better and provide her with at least a modicum of independence, we need to purchase a new specialized active wheelchair. The one she currently uses has become too small for her, and it is no longer suitable for her needs. Along with the wheelchair, there are the ongoing costs of private therapy and rehabilitation programs, which far exceed our financial capabilities.

It has not been easy for us, but we are determined to give our little princess the best chance to grow and develop as much as possible. We know that with your help, Natalka can continue her fight, and we can provide her with the tools she needs to have a better life. Every bit of support, whether large or small, will make a huge difference for our daughter.

We are already incredibly grateful for the help we have received, and we cannot thank you enough for your kindness and generosity. Your support means the world to us, and it gives us hope for a brighter future for Natalka. With your help, we can ensure that she has the resources and care needed to reach her full potential, even if the path ahead is difficult.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with us and supporting our little warrior’s journey. Together, we can help Natalka take the next steps toward independence and a brighter future filled with possibilities.