My name is Aruzhan, and I am 12 years old from Kazakhstan.
Since the day I was born, I have been living with a rare condition called a venous malformation of the right submandibular region. This disease affects my face and has changed my childhood in many ways. Because of the visible swelling, I often wear a face mask in public to avoid unwanted attention and to feel more comfortable.
Since 2014, I have undergone treatment in Kazakhstan. Over the years, I received 21 sclerotherapy procedures, all performed under general anesthesia. Despite the dedication and hard work of my doctors, the treatment did not achieve the desired result, and my condition continued to progress.
After many consultations, my family was referred to a specialized clinic in Germany with extensive experience in treating complex vascular malformations. The doctors there developed an individualized treatment plan designed specifically for my condition.
My venous malformation cannot simply be removed with surgery. It is located very close to important nerves and major blood vessels. Attempting to remove it surgically carries a high risk of damaging these vital structures, and even after surgery, the malformation may return. That is why my doctors chose a staged specialized treatment instead.
Thanks to a government-funded medical program, I was able to receive treatment in Germany in 2023 and 2024, completing two important stages of my treatment. The government covered the cost of my treatment and flights, while my family paid for accommodation, medications, medical interpreter services, and other related expenses.
The treatment has already shown encouraging results. According to my doctors, I now need only one or two more treatment stages to achieve the best possible outcome.
Unfortunately, the government funding program has ended, and no further treatment will be financed. My family must now pay for the remaining treatment ourselves. The estimated cost is approximately €54,000, which is far beyond what we can afford.
My greatest dream is to complete my treatment. I dream of going outside without wearing a mask, feeling confident, smiling without fear, and living a normal life like other children my age.
Every donation, no matter how small, brings me one step closer to that dream. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing my story. Your support may help my campaign reach someone who can change my future.
Because I am still under 18 years old, this fundraising campaign has been created and is managed by my mother on my behalf. Every donation will be used exclusively for my medical treatment in Germany and related expenses.
We have all supporting documents, including medical reports, examination results, treatment records, official documents from the German clinic, and the treatment cost estimate. If anyone would like additional information, we will gladly provide all necessary documentation. We are committed to complete transparency so that everyone who supports my campaign can feel confident that their generosity is truly helping me.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read my story. Thank you to everyone who donates, shares my campaign, or simply keeps me in their thoughts and prayers.
Your kindness gives me hope that I can complete my treatment and look forward to a brighter future.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Aruzhan and her mother