To grow, Kirill needs intravenous nutrition.

At the age of four, all of Kirill's gastrointestinal organs stopped functioning. They literally ground to a halt, like a broken conveyor belt. The boy underwent surgery and his nutrition was managed through an IV.

Several years ago, Kirill was diagnosed with cancer and underwent courses of radiation therapy. But the treatment did not leave him unscathed — his entire gastrointestinal tract failed. The boy was operated on, 20 centimeters of his intestine were removed, and he was diagnosed with 'short bowel syndrome.'

This means the following: for the child to grow in height and gain weight every day, he needs to receive parenteral nutrition — 'through a vein' — daily, without interruption. Regular food is almost not absorbed by the boy, so the threat of rapid wasting is always present. For 12 hours a day, Kirill is connected to an IV so that he can 'absorb' all the necessary nutrients while he sleeps. In addition, Kirill's diet includes enteral nutrition: he drinks a special medical formula. Only with this kind of support can the boy live, develop, and study.

Kirill's parents try to provide everything he needs on their own. Even now, they are actively seeking everything due from Minzdrav, but obtaining a supply of parenteral formulas is a lengthy, months-long process. Let's help Kirill and his family hold on — let's feed the child!