His city was burning—but Ukrainian doctor sped through explosions with a heart to save a child's life

The war between Russia and Ukraine has been an ongoing devastation for a long time. While some have lost everything, others are still trying to make it through, one day at a time. Resilient and strong people like Dr. Borys Todurov are active rays of hope, adding to the strength of the people. While Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, was battling heavy explosions, the doctor was on a mission to risk his life so he could save another, as reported by CNN. Todurov had a life-saving transplant to take care of and when it came to going above and beyond in his line of duty, he even braved through war to make it happen. 

According to another report from the outlet, around 400 drones and 18 missiles wreaked havoc on the cities of Ukraine over the last few weeks. Amid this frantic development was a little girl, Todurov’s patient, who had been suffering from heart disease for a while. Unfortunately, her condition got serious and her only chance was a new heart and the doctor’s skillful work. There were so many unpredictable events in between, right from the availability of a new heart to the success of the procedure. However, Todurov ensured that a delay was not one of them. When he heard that the organ was available on the other end of the city, he went out of his way to come through. 

In a post revealed by the doctor on Instagram, he mentioned that as a cardiac surgeon since 1987, he has experienced and learned much. “I have spent 38 years at the operating table. Over 16,000 heart operations,” he wrote in his caption. The years and the work of his hands surely contributed to his determination and bravery to have what it takes to save a life. The heroic doctor made his way to Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in western Kyiv to the Heart Institute on the eastern side, where the girl was. After a heart surgery, while attacks were ruthlessly prevalent in the city, Todurov made his way to Okhmatdyt to remove the heart from the donor’s body and get it all the way back to the Heart Institute. 

The donor was reportedly a 4-year-old girl who was pronounced brain-dead. Her mother agreed to have her organs donated. Along with Todurov’s patient, two others were also scheduled to receive organs from the little girl. There was so much at risk, especially his very own life, during that 10-mile drive. Footage shared how the doctor and his team made their way through. The debris, fire, damage and destruction could have broken many down, but the team stayed determined. After a long time of risky and courageous action, the team successfully made their way to the Institute, with the heart, ready for surgery. 

A few hours later, the doctor revealed that the surgery was a success and the patient seemed to be stable. “The heart is working and the pressure is stable. We hope that (the patient) will recover and live a long and full life,” he noted. @Melissa-Hamiltonqj5ks wrote, "You are an angel. I hope the little girl survives.” @susanmema7738 said, “His bravery and dedication are priceless!”