Cystic Fibrosis patient flees war in Ukraine for access to treatment

When the Russian invasion began, many Ukrainians decided to flee their homes to seek refuge from the violence. For Anastasiia Tkachuk and her son Tymofii (9) the decision was even more urgent, due to his diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF).

The Tkachuk family, who lived in Lviv in west Ukraine, arrived in Ireland three weeks ago.

"When the war started, we came to Poland and then we came here to have better treatment for Tymofii. He has cystic fibrosis so we couldn't stay in Ukraine," she said.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. One of the biggest challenges facing those with CF in Ukraine is access to basic medications for pancreatic insufficiency, antibiotics and hypertonic saline.

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“We have already visited a doctor, a CF doctor in Ireland. I hope everything will be ok with his health and treatment here. We are in touch with CF Ireland. I’m a very active member of CF Ukraine so I hope I can be helpful to the CF community here.”

And now that his health is under control, they are beginning to settle into their new life in Ireland, with Tymofii having started school last week.

“He went to the lower classes when he was in Ukraine for his English but he is doing well. We have a warm welcome in that school. Children and classmates drew him pictures of our flags. He’s fine,” she added.

Ms Tkachuk was speaking in advance of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland's (CFI) 65 roses day on Friday, a fundraising campaign that is supported through the purchasing of a purple rose in participating Dunnes Stores, shopping centres and other outlets nationwide, or by donating online.

The charity is hoping to raise €350,000 this year to help support those with the condition in various areas including exercise, fertility treatment and transplant procedures.

CFI is also pledging to provide €1 from every €10 raised from the campaign towards the support of the estimated 1,000 people with cystic fibrosis in Ukraine.

Philip Watt, chief executive of CFI, urged the public to donate to the cause.

“It’s a very difficult time for those with cystic fibrosis in Ukraine, so we’re just delighted that the medical community has been so welcoming here for that very vulnerable group,” he said.

Mr Watt said they are working with the CF organisations in Europe and for those who do arrive in Ireland with the condition, they are offering them financial support.

On a more domestic level, Mr Watt said there has been a “lot of delay” in treating those with CF due to the pandemic.

“The biggest worry is that the lung transplant programme is down 60 per cent in terms of what it usually is. There is a lot of catch up that has to be done,” he added.