Vanya can breathe easier now

Seven-year-old Vanya has cystic fibrosis. The disease affects the entire body, with the lungs suffering the most. To live like other children, Vanya has to do six inhalation treatments every day. But even that isn't enough. Doctors recommend strengthening his lungs with the help of a breathing trainer.

Vanya was diagnosed two weeks after birth. The doctors explained to his parents that living a normal life with cystic fibrosis would be difficult. Vanya tried, but couldn’t attend kindergarten—just three hours around other children would leave him bedridden with a high fever for a month. However, as Vanya grew stronger, his parents signed him up for football, because running is very beneficial for his condition. Then came modern dance classes and music school, where Vanya learned to play the drums. Now he’s taking horseback riding lessons and getting ready to start school.

Vanya has gone a whole year without serious flare-ups. This became possible after the family began receiving a gene therapy drug. But doctors still warn: there’s no room to relax—his breathing remains strained. They recommend that he regularly use breathing trainers. Inhalations help to thin the mucus in his lungs, and the trainer helps expel it. One without the other doesn’t provide full results.

Let’s help Vanya!