Veronika’s Story

Veronika loves swimming, drawing, and beading. Dima is into Russian rock music, tries his hand at DIY projects, and is learning to play the guitar. They are both fifteen years old. The Maksyakov twins from Chelyabinsk have different interests, but they share a common need: regular rehabilitation, which helps them maintain their skills and learn new movements. Their mother waited ten years for them to be born. The children were born prematurely, at 29 weeks of pregnancy, and spent a month and a half in the neonatal intensive care unit. When they were nine months old, both were diagnosed with cerebral palsy. After the divorce, the responsibility for caring for the children fell to their mother. Their grandparents have been a source of support: they help with the grandchildren so their daughter can work. From early childhood, Dima and Veronika’s lives have been filled with activities. At home, the family continues their daily routine: therapeutic physical training, stretching, and exercises. In order to have access to specialized care, they even moved from Kurgan to Chelyabinsk, closer to the “Sakura” rehabilitation center. Veronika gets around mainly in a wheelchair. She studies at a regular school, where she gets straight A’s, and takes swimming very seriously: she has earned the title of Master of Sports. At home, she enjoys crafts, spending time with her cat Nympha, and being with her beloved brother. Veronika often helps Dima—hand movements come more easily to her. Dmitry’s motor impairments are more severe. He uses a wheelchair, is homeschooled, and also gets excellent grades. He enjoys working with his hands: trying his hand at sawing, burning, twisting, and hammering.Even when movements are difficult, his interest in his favorite activities remains. In 2023–2024, both children underwent neurosurgical procedures. In May 2025, Dima also underwent surgery on his right hip. Due to severe scoliosis, he has to wear a brace. The children now need rehabilitation following their surgeries. According to their mother, there have already been positive developments, and it is very important for the family to continue these sessions. Please support Dima and Veronika. Your donation will help cover the cost of sessions with specialists aimed at post-operative recovery, strengthening motor skills, and achieving greater independence in daily life. This is an opportunity for both of them to continue the progress they’ve made and move forward with support.