Yesterday, we had the absolute joy of celebrating Bohdanka’s 6th birthday at the Dacha Centre in Lviv. It was a truly heartwarming day filled with laughter, love, and hope — a reminder of why we do the work we do.
The Dacha Centre, run by the Zaporuka Charitable Foundation, is a sanctuary for families whose children are undergoing serious medical treatment. It provides families with a home away from home, offering private rooms, play areas, and emotional support from psychologists and art therapists. The centre was designed so that children could still experience the joys of childhood even while receiving treatment, and parents could stay close and supported throughout their journey. For families traveling from other regions for medical care, the Dacha Centre offers a safe and nurturing environment, allowing them to be together during difficult times.
Bohdanka’s birthday was nothing short of magical. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Marian Banovsky, she received a beautiful birthday cake made with love by our own Nazar Dumych. With the support of our donors and community, she was also surprised with special gifts that made her day even brighter. We were fortunate to share the celebration with Bohdanka’s family, other residents of the Dacha Centre, and our charity partner Spirit of Ukraine Foundation, who had joined us from the United States. Together, we created a joyful atmosphere filled with smiles, laughter, and connection.
What truly touched everyone present was Bohdanka’s resilience and spirit. Despite the challenges she faces every day, her smile lit up the entire room, spreading joy to everyone around her. Moments like these remind us that healing is not just medical — it is emotional and communal, built on connection, love, and shared celebration. Watching Bohdanka enjoy her special day reinforced why bringing light and happiness to children facing medical hardships is so important.
We are deeply grateful to Marian Banovsky for the generosity that made Bohdanka’s cake so special, to Nazar for turning sugar and fondant into a work of art, to Spirit of Ukraine Foundation for their partnership and support, and to all of our donors who help make moments like this possible. Your belief in our mission allows us to bring hope, joy, and healing to children like Bohdanka every day.
Happy 6th birthday, Bohdanka. Your courage inspires us, your smile uplifts us, and your life reminds us of the reason we do this work: to create moments of joy, hope, and community for every child who needs it. 💙💛