SMA Program 2024

Our SMA program has fulfilled its 2024 promises: all three patients—Zlata (18), Dmytro (13) and Volodymyr (11)—have received their lung ventilators. 

Thanks to the support of our friends and partners, BfS has covered the cost of two portable LUISA lung ventilators, a Prisma VENT lung ventilator, and a Clario aspirator by Medela, at a total cost of $16,347. The Shkeptach brothers have also received an in-kind cough assistance device from Börgel GmbH, valued at $5,000.

The delivery caught Dmytro and Volodymyr during their stay at Ohmatdyt Specialized Children’s Hospital. Their mom, Natalia, shared:

“HUGE THANK YOU to the volunteers, Birds for Sofia administration, and everyone involved in providing such significant help to my children. Doing this alone would be impossible for me. My sons’ condition is stabilizing, and we plan to go home next week—with confidence, now that we can rely on the portable home ventilator.”

The BfS team wishes Zlata, Dmytro and Volodymyr all the health in the world and hopes they feel more secure with the new equipment at their disposal!

Meanwhile, our SMA Program will continue providing medications, equipment, and rehabilitation courses for the most vulnerable children with SMA in Ukraine. Join our mission!