In the heart of a war-torn Kyiv, a remarkable story of survival and resilience unfolded. Twelve-year-old Kira Skliarova, whose heart was severely weakened by childhood illnesses, received a life-saving heart transplant during a brutal Russian attack on July 9th, 2024. The extraordinary operation, performed by Dr. Borys Todurov at the Kyiv Heart Institute, stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of medical professionals and the power of human compassion amidst unimaginable circumstances.
Kira's journey had been fraught with challenges. Displaced from her home in the Luhansk region during the 2014 Russian invasion, she developed severe pneumonia in 2019, leading to a critical heart condition. Years of rigorous treatment and hospital stays culminated in a desperate need for a heart transplant. Just one day before the life-saving surgery, Kira was fitted with a temporary mechanical heart, a harrowing experience for both her and her mother, Alyona Skliarova.
The donor heart came from a four-year-old girl who tragically passed away from brain injuries. Her parents' selfless decision to donate their daughter's organs offered Kira a second chance at life. However, the timing couldn't have been more perilous. As Dr. Todurov and his team embarked on the perilous journey to retrieve the donor heart from Ohmatdyt Hospital, they navigated a landscape of explosions and missile fire, dodging Russian drones amidst the intense bombardment of Kyiv.
The surgery itself was a race against time, performed under the constant threat of attack. The team felt the building shake from explosions, yet their unwavering focus and precision ensured Kira's successful transplant. The emotional toll on the medical team was immense, working to save a life while civilians were being killed all around them. For Alyona, the mother of Kira, the experience was one of intense prayer and hope, watching as her daughter's life hung in the balance.
The immediate aftermath of the surgery was delicate, with Kira's body needing time to adjust to the new heart. But eventually her condition improved, offering hope for a full recovery. While challenges remain, including spasticity on her right side, Kira is actively undergoing rehabilitation therapy.
The act of organ donation during this conflict was a deeply emotional moment. The mother of the donor girl visited Kira, listening to her daughter's heartbeat in Kira's chest – a testament to the profound connection created through this act of selfless generosity. This extraordinary event, despite the backdrop of war, offers a poignant reminder of human resilience, medical expertise, and the life-affirming power of organ donation.
Kira and her mother are now focused on making the most of this new lease on life, planning trips and cherishing moments that were previously unimaginable due to Kira's illness. Their story is a beacon of hope, highlighting the courage and determination of a young girl and her mother, and the unwavering dedication of medical professionals who risked their lives to save a life amidst chaos and devastation.
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Originally published at: https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2025/09/14/g-s1-87246/ukraine-heart-transplant-war-russia
