Three-year-old Ihor Zaluzhnyi needs gene therapy: how the Irpin community can help
A rare muscular dystrophy requires costly gene therapy; Irpin’s first deputy mayor has appealed to the community to support the fundraising effort. We explain why a swift response is crucial and how to get involved.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
March 11, 2026 · 1 min read
What we know
Today the First Deputy Mayor of Irpin, Oleksandr Pashchynskyi, held a regular citizens' reception. Among the appeals was the story of three-year-old Ihor Zaluzhnyi, who has been diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The family has announced a fundraiser for gene therapy, the cost of which far exceeds the family's means.
Why this matters
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a progressive disease: doctors note that early intervention increases the chances of stabilizing the condition. At the same time, the necessary treatments and technologies are often expensive and largely available only abroad. Therefore, the fundraising effort is not only a matter for a single family but also a test of the community's ability to mobilize and of the effectiveness of local institutions in crisis situations.
"The next story is particularly difficult and important because it requires the help of the entire community. Three-year-old Ihor Zaluzhnyi has a rare genetic condition — Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The family is raising funds for gene therapy, but the cost of treatment is extremely high. This is a case where every bit of support can make a difference."
— Oleksandr Pashchynskyi, First Deputy Mayor of Irpin
How to get involved
You can join the fundraiser via the link on Oleksandr Pashchynskyi's Telegram channel. Please verify payment details before transferring funds and keep confirmation of transfers. If you have contacts at clinics or foundations that specialize in DMD or gene therapy, inform the family or use the community's official channels: such contacts can shorten the time needed to find a treatment facility and handle logistics.
Conclusion
This is a story about one boy, but also about the community's ability to act together. Whether the announced fundraiser will turn into concrete therapy for Ihor depends on our organized response, the transparency of the fundraising, and the network of partners ready to join.
