«My name is Olya Sikirnitskaya. I am 16 years old. Many are already familiar with my story. But I will repeat it for those who are just getting to know me.

It all started when I was nine years old — I was diagnosed with a tumor on my thoracic spine. Since my life has been connected with hospitals and doctors… More than one surgery is behind me. A month after the first operation, I began to have difficulty walking, couldn't sit… I had another operation — and a device was successfully installed on my spine. I walked for two years, and hoped that everything would be fine.
But after some time, my condition worsened again, and later we found out the cause — the device was broken. Another operation, a lot of stress.… The device was removed and on that day, it felt like my whole life had ended. — I became paralyzed. Spinal device failures haunted me. Naturally, in connection with this, other problems arose. Over time, I developed scoliosis to the point that I couldn't even sit…
Thanks to the whole world, many of you, the program «Ukraine Speaks» and the charitable foundation «Little Bee» we managed to raise a huge amount of money. 30 April 2015 I had surgery in Germany, and it was more than successful. Now I can sit without pain for as long as I want. For me, — this is already happiness, already a victory.
But still I can't walk. I  use a wheelchair. My dream since all this happened has been to stand on feet and take the first step. For many, movement — is a daily necessity, without even thinking about how difficult and important it is, but for me now — it's my life's purpose.
And now that all the surgeries are over, and I can fight for the right to walk, I I beg everyone reading this to help me! When I was in Germany, I visited a rehabilitation center «Zentrum der Rehabilitation», which amazed me. People confined to wheelchairs get up and walk… Having been there, I understand that there really is a chance and I am confident that I will be able to get up. At my consultation at the center, I was told that getting back on my feet would be very difficult for me. — This means six-hour workouts every day, constantly moving and not resting, but only then is there a chance of seeing results. And I'm ready to pursue my dream!
I've been billed for three months, which amounts to 34 045 euro. This is a huge, unrealistic sum for our family. There's nothing more terrible than gaining hope and losing it again.… I don't want to evoke pity in anyone; rather, I ask for your understanding. Right now, my only hope is — you and your support. Without it, I can't cope. Please give me a chance to fight for my dream!"

With Respect and gratitude, Olya and my entire family!

For ways to help, see here.