Nikita Polischuk lives in Kiev, Ukraine. When we first learned about Nikita, the 15 year-old boy
was on the brink of death due to untreated cystic fibrosis. He was hospitalized in Kiev Children’s Hospital
in February 2009 in critical condition: he weighed only 15 kg, suffered from bacterial and fungal
lung infections and required continuous oxygen treatment. Chronic lung infection had resulted in
enlargement of the right heart ventricle which can eventually lead to heart failure.
Nikita urgently needed antibiotics, enzymes, antifungal drugs, nutrition, and heart medications.
Unfortunately, the hospital didn’t have even the most basic medications for treatment of cystic fibrosis.
Nikita is raised by a single mother who is always by his side and couldn’t raise enough money for his
treatment (close to $2000.00 USD for 10 days worth of medications).
Once the information about Nikita was posted on HelpJournal blog, it spread quickly and many
people from across the globe reached out to help the boy. Volunteers purchased the necessary medications
and brought them to the hospital. And despite the very poor prognosis, Nikita’s condition started to
steadily improve, surprising even his doctors. Already in April, Nikita was able to leave the hospital
for a few hours at a time without the oxygen tank and enjoy walks and picnics with his mom Anna.
In May, he was released from the hospital.
Since that time, he suffered several other bouts of infection which required antibiotics.
His mom is not able to work full-time since Nikita needs her help throughout the day. They need
continuous financial support to purchase medications. Nikita is also receiving specialized nutrition,
ScandiShake. Nikita and his mom Anna are grateful to everyone who sent Nikita books, music and other gifts,
and supported them with letters and visits during the difficult times. Please, join us in helping
this courageous boy who has been though so much but never gave up the fight.
February 4, 2010.Nikita Polischuk died today in the Kiev Children
Hospital in Ukraine where he has spent the past several months due to a lung infection. Sadly, the complications were
too sever for Nikita to overcome. Nikita's mother has lost her only son.
For the past year, Help Journal has been raising money for Nikita's treatment. Unfortunately, when we started
helping Nikita, his disease has already progressed too far, and the damage to the lungs and heart was irreversible. For most of his life,
Nikita didn't have adequate treatment and medication management for his disease, just like thousands of other children and adults with
cystic fibrosis in Russia and Ukraine.
Nikita didn't even live to be 16 years old, and didn't have time to fullfill his dream of learning to play an
electric guitar and becoming a singer. However, in the past year, thanks to your help, Nikita's condition was
stabilized, and he was able to spend several months at home with his Mom. He found many new friends, and received letters of support
from overseas. We greatly appreciate your help for Nikita.
Just several days before he died, Nikita made a video where he thanked everyone for their help. Please watch
this short video, it was made for all of you.
