Story
A boy who loves life. A family that does not give up. A disease no one chooses, and a fight you can join.
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.
In March 2025, one word entered the family’s life forever: Duchenne. But there is a way forward: one injection of Elevidys gene therapy can stop the disease.
From being born during the war to fighting for his future.
April 8, 2022
In the middle of the war, a little son was born into an officer’s family and welcomed at home with love and hope.
2024
Frequent falls, difficulty getting up from the floor, and a waddling gait. His parents notice something is wrong.
February 2025
A blood test shows sharply elevated creatine kinase. Doctors recommend genetic testing.
March 2025
Genetic testing confirms a mutation in the dystrophin gene. The family learns about the only chance: Elevidys, which is most effective at an early age.
2025
The family opens a personal fundraiser. Friends, media, volunteers, and caring people help tell Lukian’s story.
Today
The fundraiser continues. Time matters for Lukian: while he is still little, the therapy has the best chance to help.
His father is on the front line; his mother is by his side. Every day, together.
Father
He defends Ukraine. When he is home on leave, Lukian becomes the happiest child in the world: he plays with his father, while Viktor helps Nataliia with everything needed. Together with the family, he asks caring people to help his son.
Mother
She runs the fundraiser personally, takes Lukian to doctors, looks for treatment, and answers hundreds of messages. She holds the family together while his father is at the front.
A clear step-by-step plan for what happens once the needed amount is raised.
The cost of Elevidys and the procedure itself.
AAV antibody testing and assessment of muscle and heart condition.
A specialized clinic abroad (UAE).
A one-time intravenous procedure followed by monitoring in the clinic.
Regular physical therapy and follow-up examinations.
«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.»
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.
Only toward Lukian’s Elevidys treatment abroad. Fundraising updates are posted on Instagram @help_lukian.
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.
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.
Yes, through PayPal: natalisnitynska@gmail.com. For large transfers, please email us.
Every contribution brings the therapy closer while time still works in his favor, with your help.