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Ukrainian boy awaits medical attention in Ireland to treat cancer
The little boy's family hopes he will receive the transplant in Dublin.
Due to the attacks on Ukraine, many people have been fleeing the country. Leonid Shapoval, the little boy of 5 years who suffers from Leukemia, is just one of the thousands of cases.
The Ukrainian boy expected to receive a bone marrow transplant on March 10, after several weeks receiving chemotherapy, but when the attacks began, it had to be cancelled.
The family decided to escape the Ukraine and move to Ireland, where they hope to continue with the appropriate medical treatment.
The boy is currently in the south-west of Ireland, at his great-aunt's house. The parents in an interview told everything they had to live on the journey, when deciding to leave the country.
Yana, the minor's mother, reported that they fled with nothing more than a suitcase of belongings, including the child's documents, since it was the only important thing they had.
Until Poland, the journey was very bumpy, because to avoid the combat zones, they took dirt roads. The family was escorted, a benefit that was granted due to the child's situation, so they avoided 20 kilometers of queues.
Upon entering Switzerland, they had to talk to the authorities to inform them that the Irish Government had accepted them, without the need for a visa.
The boy's mother worked as a psychologist in the Ukraine, and currently says that they suffer from ' survivor syndrome ', because they feel guilty for coming out of the armed conflict unscathed.
The last eight months of the family, was hospitalized in Ukraine, after the diagnosis of cancer of the child. They point out that in that center, the children are waiting for their recovery, but they are in serious danger, which generates a lot of fear.
Help from Ireland
The family received help because they were very concerned about the child's situation, Michael Colins, an Irish MP, said.
Thanks to fundraising through virtual media, the family obtained more than 65,000 euros. This figure exceeded their expectations, as they expected to receive only 1,000 euros.
The boy received medical attention from doctors in Dublin and was later transferred to a specialist hospital in the city of Cork.
The family hopes that he will receive the transplant at a children's hospital, where he will be treated, in Dublin.
Her mother thanked all the people who offer her help and affirms that she is completely surprised by the kindness of the people, since there are many who want to continue helping.
