Anna Litvinova was born in 1994 . When she was 6 months old, she was diagnosed with the dreaded — Werdnig-Hoffmann myopathy, a condition in which muscles gradually weaken and atrophy. Doctors shrugged, warning: «Children like these don't live more than three years». The child's parents didn't listen to these prognoses.
One day, while watching a cartoon, four-year-old Anya asked for some plasticine. Lying on her back, the girl sculpted a horse that was in no way different from the cartoon character. The animal's legs, hooves, and tail were clearly sculpted, and you could even feel its personality. And then Anya's mother realized that her child had a talent that needed to be developed. And although as of today the girl cannot walk or sit without assistance, she is nonetheless a cheerful and very positive person.
Anya — is a talented artist who paints and portraits. Her parents always taught her not to give up, but when the going got really tough, — they stood by her side and supported her in every way. Now Anya's work wins prizes both in Ukraine and abroad. She studies at two universities, in the departments of fine art graphics and foreign languages.
Her primary goal — is to graduate from university, continue working, become a member of the artists' union; be in demand in her profession; and live a full creative life. «I wish everyone to not lose optimism, to believe in themselves, to love this life, and to remember that faith is as boundless as the sky», — Anya's motto, which helps her achieve her goal.
But all this may not become a reality. Currently, she can only work sitting for an hour a day due to a progressive spinal curvature and severe pain in her back. And with every year this time is decreasing, and Anya can't imagine her life without the opportunity to be creative. Furthermore, if the disease progresses further, the girl is at risk of death. — The internal organs are displaced, which can lead to oxygen starvation.
Ana can only be helped by a spinal correction surgery, which can be performed in Finland. The surgery costs 45 000 euro. Ana's family does not have such a huge sum, because all their money goes on keeping the girl alive. But only this operation can save her life.
Anya's parents are hoping for the help of kind and caring people and believe that their only child will be able to live a full life and do what she loves.
Thank you to the advertising agency «Beaumonde» for continued assistance in placing social advertising.
Since January 2014 in Odessa, billboards have been installed with information about Anna.
For ways to help, see here.
02.07.2015
"I took a very important step toward my goal! 17On June 1, I visited the ORTON clinic in Helsinki, Finland. There, I underwent a full examination, and after a thorough examination, the surgeon cleared me for surgery and said I had a very good prognosis for spinal alignment! My vertebrae are still mobile, and if I don't delay the surgery, my back will become almost straight and I'll be able to sit as long as I want. The doctor advised me to have the surgery as soon as possible, preferably within six months. Otherwise, the vertebrae could fuse with age and become impossible to stretch much further, meaning the pain won't go away completely and I'll still be unable to sit upright. They also extended the surgery budget, so now I can actively fundraise! The trip itself took 5 days. From Odessa, we drove to the airport near Kyiv, and then flew to Helsinki. It was my first time on a plane, and it was breathtaking! In Helsinki, we went to an art museum, where I saw the works of great artists in person. We also saw Senate Square and other sights, and I saw another sea – the Baltic! I was exhausted from the trip, and I couldn't sit for several days due to back pain, so I couldn't write earlier. But now I'm full of inspiration and strength. It was a wonderful trip and a very important step towards my goal. I once again thank everyone who supported me financially and thanks to whom I was able to take this step!"
Anna
10.06.2015
Anna received assistance for examination and rehabilitation in the amount of 61 535 hryvnia. 17 In June, she will travel to Helsinki for an examination, where we will determine whether and when surgery is possible. A new collection will be opened if necessary.
18.03.2015
"Hello! From 23 to 27 February, I underwent another course of treatment with Dr. Bersenev in Kyiv. After receiving the metametar injections, I felt a little more energetic, and my general condition improved. Recently, the doctor examined me, and he said that my muscles have become firmer, and I feel a little stronger. This is a small result, but a positive one, and given my illness, it's a huge step forward. However, I still experience pain in my cervical spine and shoulder blades; this is most likely a sign that my scoliosis is worsening slightly, meaning I have less and less time left for a successful surgery. Unfortunately, we started this fundraising campaign at the wrong time. Due to the current situation in the country, many are in need right now. But I ask from the bottom of my heart for your support, because I can't do it without it. My time is running out, and I'm completely helpless.
I wish everyone a warm, sunny, and happy spring!"
22.01.2015
"My back and neck pain are getting worse, and my shoulder pain isn't going away. Massage helps relieve the pain for a short time, but after I sit for an hour or two, it comes back. Recently, after a painting lesson, I couldn't turn my head to the left (my neck muscles were cramping up). Now I've shortened my sitting time to 40 minutes and then I lie down and rest. My lungs continue to ache, and it's uncomfortable to breathe deeply or hold my breath. I really hope that I'll have surgery soon and be able to lead a more fulfilling life.".
Anna
01.12.2014
"My overall health remains unchanged, although there have been some slight changes for the worse. In September, after more treatments in Kyiv at the Institute for Pain Problems, where I receive metametar injections every 4 month, my back pain was a little less severe, but now it's back with the same intensity. My leg and lower back muscles have strengthened a bit.
3 I get a general massage once a week, because without it, my neck starts to hurt a lot, and my back pain gets worse. My lungs have started to ache a little because a rib is pressing on them. My left shoulder has also become very sore, and now I have to sit even less. But I still haven't stopped painting. I'm preparing for an exhibition; I need to complete five to ten more paintings. Considering that, due to my health, it takes me about month to complete one painting, I'll be able to exhibit by summer. This is very important for me and for raising funds for the surgery. Thank you to everyone who supports me!"
Anna Litvinova
11.07.2014
"There's no significant news yet. My health is stable now. I can sit for an hour a day. I get massages 3 once a week, which is very good for my back and overall body tone. Every 4 month, we go to the Institute for Pain Problems in Kyiv, where I undergo a 5-day course of metameric injections, which relieve some of the back pain and strengthen the muscles. This significantly slows the progression of the disease. We also go to the seaside every week, where I swim with my parents. I do special exercises in the water, which makes my movements a little more flexible and easier. In short, we're doing everything we can every day to delay my illness a little and at least wait for the surgery in the condition I'm in now. Thank you so much!"
Anna Litvinova
Assistance provided - 61535,00 UAH:
| Date |
Type of assistance |
Amount, UAH |
| 10.06.2015 |
Charitable assistance for treatment |
61535,00 |
