AUGUST, 2026: DCF, in partnership with Mission to Ukraine, has successfully found sponsors for numerous children-in-need, with life-changing assistance.
This month, 4 very special little hearts could really use some help: Sofiyka, Leonid, Sofiya, and Damir are featured below. Any help you are able to provide is warmly appreciated, and sponsorship information can be found at the bottom of this post.
Thank you!!
SOFIYKA
Sofiyka was born with Cri du Chat syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes intellectual disability and delayed development. She requires daily care, ongoing rehabilitation, medical supplies, and diapers.
Born in Kramatorsk in 2019, Sofiyka was just 16 months old when the full-scale invasion began. At the time, her family was living between Bakhmut and Debaltseve. They packed a few belongings and left, planning to stay with relatives in the Zhytomyr region for only a few weeks. They believed they would soon return home—but they never did.
Displaced by the war, Sofiyka’s family has had to rebuild their lives from nothing while continuing to provide her with the intensive care she needs.
Your support can help Sofiyka continue her therapy, access essential medical supplies, and grow stronger. It can give her the opportunity every child deserves: to learn, develop, experience the world, and smile.
The family needs help for her medical needs and to purchase diapers for Sofiyka.
LEONID
Leonid is a bright, sensitive boy who is autistic. His father left when Leonid was just 18 months old and has not been part of his life since. After Leonid was diagnosed, his mother, Olga, made a life-changing decision: she left her job to devote herself fully to her son’s development. She dedicated herself to understanding his world, meeting his needs, and helping him grow. She became his teacher, his advocate, and his safe place.
Now Olga is battling stage 4 cancer, and Leonid urgently needs professional rehabilitation to continue making progress. For him, therapy is not a luxury—it is essential to developing communication, independence, and a stronger connection with the world around him. But the cost of treatment is far beyond what the family can afford, especially as Olga’s medical expenses continue to mount.
Leonid’s family is facing two heartbreaking battles at once: a young mother fighting for her life and a little boy fighting for the opportunity to build his future.
The family needs help paying for Leonid’s rehabilitation and therapy needs.
SOFIYA
Sofiya is ten years old and was born with cerebral palsy. In Ukraine, children with disabilities and their families face many challenges, and the ongoing war has intensified these difficulties.
Sofiya requires continuous rehabilitation, including physical therapy, sensory integration, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and inclusion. Without consistent support and rehabilitation, she may lose some of her abilities. She also needs opportunities to interact with her peers, but social stigma often makes inclusion difficult.
Transportation is another major challenge for Sofiya’s family. They do not have a vehicle, and public transportation is not adequately accessible for wheelchair users. In addition, the stress and trauma of the war have affected Sofiya’s nervous system, and she now requires ongoing anti-seizure medication.
The family needs help paying for Sofiya’s medicine and rehabilitation.
DAMIR
Damir is a courageous young boy with Down syndrome. He needs ongoing support to grow and thrive, including physical therapy, sensory therapy, speech therapy, sign language instruction, and access to preschool. These services are not luxuries. They are essential to helping him communicate, build independence, and live with dignity.
Damir’s journey is not easy, but with your continued support, he and his family can move forward with greater hope, opportunity, and dignity.
The family needs help with the cost of Damir’s therapy.
If you would like to become a sponsor…
Please e-mail Dominique Hooks directly for more details:
E-Mail: dominique.hooks.dcf@gmail.com
For just $35.00 a month/$420.00 a year you can have an immediate and lasting positive effect on their lives.
Thank you!!
The DCF Team