Sweet as honey – that’s the meaning of the name of our beneficiary, Balaiym Kakimkhan. And it truly fits her: her smile and playful character win over everyone around her!

Balaiym is the only child of a young family from Kazakhstan. Her mom and dad dreamed of her and eagerly awaited her arrival. The pregnancy went smoothly, all tests were normal, and nothing foretold the cruel diagnosis — spina bifida.

The first encounter with illness

As soon as the little girl was born, it became clear that she had a congenital condition. At first, Balaiym’s mother, Uldana, didn’t understand what it meant or what difficulties awaited them. But just two days later, the baby underwent her first CT scan. Since then, the family has learned by heart all the medical terms, vertebra numbers, and doctors’ conclusions.

Balaiym doesn’t walk yet, but she already shows her character and curiosity about the world: she reaches for everything around her, loves playing with a ball, gets adorably upset, and smiles whenever she hears her name. She also enjoys going to the swimming pool — one of her favorite activities that always lifts her spirits.

The illness doesn’t wait

Her left foot has already become deformed — an alarming sign that the disease is progressing. Usually, such changes happen later, when children begin to walk. But in Balaiym’s case, the process started earlier, making the situation even more serious. She urgently needs surgery; without it, she may never be able to take her first steps.

Doctors also discovered a spinal sinus — a congenital channel in her spine through which infection could reach the spinal cord. This poses a serious risk to her health and life.

In Kazakhstan, there are no surgeons capable of performing such a complex operation. Professor Shimon Rohkind at Assuta Hospital in Israel is ready to help: his experience allows him to minimize the consequences of spina bifida and protect Balaiym from lifelong disability.

Right now, her mother stays by her side, caring for her, while her father works repairing cars. Without our support, this young family will not be able to raise the funds needed for life-saving treatment.

Please click the “Help” button and make any possible donation for our beneficiary, Balaiym!