Sofia Sidenko

They have already lost their son. Now cancer has struck their daughter

Sofia is just 7 months old. Tiny and warm, with tenacious little fingers, she reaches out for everything around her, as if in a hurry to make the most of her life. Although she cannot speak yet, her life already hangs by a thin, almost invisible thread.

Three years ago, this family stood by a crib, helplessly watching as their child slipped away. Today, history is repeating itself.

Sonya is the family’s long-awaited joy. A lively, stubborn, and incredibly curious little girl, she seems determined to grow up faster than time itself. She started developing early: by the age of five months, she was sitting up, holding her back steady, and trying to stand. Her little world is filled with simple yet important things: Mum’s quiet lullabies, cheerful songs from ‘The Blue Tractor,’ and familiar voices that make her feel safe. She laughs when Dad picks her up and instantly calms down, snuggling into Mum. With a serious expression, she studies her cat, Monster—the only one who tolerates her childish persistence.

Beneath this vibrant and cheerful facade lies a devastating diagnosis: Sofia has retinoblastoma, a malignant tumour of the retina. This aggressive disease waits for no one and allows for no hesitation. Without prompt treatment, it can take not only sight but also life itself.

Back home, the family was presented with only one solution: the removal of Sofia's eye. However, doctors at a specialised clinic in Switzerland have confirmed that there is a good chance of saving both her eyes and her vision, provided treatment begins promptly and is completed.

For this family, the situation brings back the most horrifying day of their lives. Three years ago, their son lost his battle with the same retinoblastoma. His diagnosis came too late, and precious time was lost; he did not receive the necessary treatment and suffered greatly before ultimately falling into a coma and passing away in his parents' arms.
 

The mother’s words today resonate like a desperate cry that cannot be ignored: 

“I was already holding my child as he was dying. I witnessed that pain; I know what awaits us if we don’t act in time… I can’t endure this again. Please, help save my daughter…”

After the tragedy, the family was told there was no hereditary factor, and they decided to become parents again, believing that things would be different. However, cancer returned with their second child.

Now, her mother lives in a constant state of fear and hope. She has experienced nervous breakdowns and panic attacks and is still on the brink. Her parents are fighting desperately for Sonya’s life. There are no more family trips or traditions in their lives — only hospitals and endless fundraising, for which they simply have no money left.

Sonya doesn’t yet know the word "cancer." She reaches out to her mum, smiles at her dad, listens to her favourite songs, and tries to live her life as best as she can. However, her future now depends on us. 

This family has already lost one child. Please, let's not let this story repeat itself. Help Sofia survive!