Skip to content

Lukian is 4 years old. He is fighting for his life.

This little boy from Ternopil, the son of a Ukrainian Armed Forces officer, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy. One injection can stop the disease. It costs $2.9 million. Together, we can make it possible.

  • Run by the family
  • Transparent updates
  • Covered by media
Support Lukian Read the story
Lukian Snitynskyi with his mother, a family fighting Duchenne disease

Every donation brings treatment closer

How much has been raised

Fundraising is ongoing

$586 082

≈ 25 582 479 ₴

Fundraising goal $2 900 000
20.2% raised

Updated: August 23, 2026.

The fundraiser is running across several platforms and through volunteers. This shows the total progress.

Information support

People are talking about the fundraiser

Media outlets, organizations, businesses, bloggers, musicians, and public figures who wrote about the fundraiser, shared the story, or helped draw attention.

View updates

What is happening to Lukian

A brief explanation of the disease, the treatment chance, the cost, and why time matters.

Meet Lukian

A story of courage, family, and a fight no one chooses.

A little boy who loves life

Lukian was born on April 8, 2022, in Ternopil, in the middle of the war. His father, Viktor, is an officer in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and is now defending the country. His mother, Nataliia, is by his side every day.

Little Lukian is an ordinary boy with a contagious smile. He loves toy cars, is happiest when his dad comes home on leave, and already tries to “dance” by stomping his feet around the room.

In March 2025, one word entered the family’s life forever: Duchenne. A progressive muscular dystrophy. A disease that takes away strength step by step: first running, then walking, and eventually the ability to breathe independently.

But there is a way forward. One injection of Elevidys gene therapy can stop the disease. Then Lukian can have a future.

«Every day, he teaches us to be strong. We are not just fighting to make things easier for him; we are fighting for his life.»
— Nataliia, Lukian’s mother
Support Lukian

Honest about the fundraiser

This is a personal fundraiser run by the Snitynskyi family, not a charity foundation. We do not promise what we do not have. We promise honesty.

  • Funds go to the personal accounts of Lukian’s mother, Nataliia Snitynska, and father, Viktor Snitynskyi.
  • The fundraiser runs on several platforms at once, with regular updates on Instagram @help_lukian.
  • Lukian’s story has been checked and covered by Ukrainian media.

Media coverage

What is Duchenne muscular dystrophy?

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene. It mostly affects boys, about 1 in 3,300. The disease gradually destroys muscles: first a child loses the ability to run, then to walk, and later to breathe independently.

Until recently, the disease was considered incurable. In 2023, the U.S. FDA approved the first gene therapy, Elevidys (delandistrogene moxeparvovec). It is a one-time intravenous injection that can stop muscle destruction. The treatment is not registered in Ukraine, so it must be given abroad. The cost is about $2.9 million.

How to support Lukian

News about Lukian

Follow Lukian’s story and fundraising updates.

All updates on Instagram

Frequently asked questions

  • Is this a real fundraiser?

    Yes. The fundraiser is run personally by the Snitynskyi family. Payment details are in the names of Lukian’s mother and father. Ukrainian media have covered the story; links are in the “Honest about the fundraiser” section.

  • Where does the money go?

    Only toward Lukian’s Elevidys treatment abroad. Fundraising updates are posted on Instagram @help_lukian.

  • Why Elevidys?

    It is the first and currently only U.S. FDA-approved gene therapy that can stop Duchenne disease. There is no other way to stop its progression.

  • Why is it so expensive, and why does the state not pay?

    It is a cutting-edge gene therapy, not registered in Ukraine, and treatment must take place abroad. There is no state funding for children with DMD in Ukraine.

  • Can I donate from abroad?

    Yes, through PayPal: natalisnitynska@gmail.com. For large transfers, please email us.

Become part of Lukian’s story

Every day matters. Your support, in any amount, is a real chance at life for Lukian.

Donate now