In a gripping follow-up to a heartwarming story previously covered by Goats and Soda, freelance journalist Ruchi Kumar sheds light on the extraordinary journey of 12-year-old Kira Skliarova. This inspiring account not only highlights the challenges faced during her heart transplant but also the resilience of medical professionals amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
On the night of July 9, Dr. Borys Todurov, director of the Kyiv Heart Institute, received a life-altering call from a colleague at the Ohmatdyt Hospital. Tragically, a 4-year-old girl had succumbed to brain injuries from an accident, and her parents had made the noble decision to donate her organs. At that critical moment, Kira, who had been battling severe heart issues due to childhood illnesses, was in desperate need of a heart transplant.
“She was on the waiting list for a long time,” Dr. Todurov explained. “Just one day before, we had implanted her with a mechanical heart, but she required a transplant urgently.” The situation was dire, as Kira's own heart had been severely weakened by illness, and time was running out.
As the Ukrainian capital faced one of its most intense Russian attacks since the onset of the full-scale war in 2022, Dr. Todurov and his team made the perilous decision to proceed with the heart retrieval. “There were Russian missiles and drones everywhere,” he recounted. “But we had a chance to save a life, so we took it.” A video taken during their journey shows their vehicle navigating through explosions as Ukrainian air defenses battled incoming drones.
Kira’s family had become internally displaced refugees due to the Russian invasion of their region in 2014, and in 2019, Kira was diagnosed with post-myocarditis, a condition that left her heart critically damaged. Her mother, Alyona Skliarova, shared the emotional toll of Kira’s extended health struggles and the urgency that led to the decision for a heart transplant.
Upon reaching the Ohmatdyt Children's Hospital, the surgical team worked against the clock, fully aware that the heart could only remain viable for a limited time. “During the extraction, we could not only hear the noises of drones and missiles but also feel the vibrations from explosions,” Dr. Todurov recalled. Despite the chaos surrounding them, the team remained focused on their mission to save Kira’s life.
Once back at the Kyiv Heart Institute, preparations for the heart transplant began immediately. “Surgeries need to be conducted with precision; you need attention and focus, and we are doing this with explosions around us,” Dr. Todurov said, highlighting the extraordinary circumstances under which they were operating.
As the night of uncertainty unfolded, Alyona prayed fervently for her daughter’s survival. To her immense relief, Kira successfully received the transplant, allowing her to finally be disconnected from the mechanical heart that had been keeping her alive. “Our doctors are gods on earth. I am so grateful to them!” Alyona expressed, filled with hope for her daughter’s future.
Although Kira faced a challenging recovery process, including initial weight loss and complications, her health began to improve as her body adjusted to the new heart. Despite some ongoing issues with spasticity, her determination and the support of a rehabilitation therapist are paving the way for her recovery.
The heart transplant not only saved Kira’s life but also connected her to the family of the donor. Kira’s mother described a poignant moment when she met the mother of the 4-year-old donor, who was both grieving and grateful. “I respect her so much, and I'm so grateful for her decision,” Alyona said, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of the situation.
With a renewed chance at life, Kira and her mother are determined to embrace every moment. “We hope to have more walks in parks and explore everything Kyiv has to offer,” Alyona shared, looking forward to hiking in the Carpathian Mountains. “We are planning to live, just to enjoy life with this new heart. Only God knows what the future will be like, but yes, there is a will to live.”
Ruchi Kumar continues to report on critical issues surrounding conflict, politics, and culture, shining a light on stories of hope and resilience. Follow her on X at @RuchiKumar for more updates and insights.
