Stepan and Alina Kozariichuk, both 32, were overjoyed when they gave birth to their son Bohdan in May 2025
A couple who left war-torn Ukraine for the UK before having their ‘miracle’ baby have been dealt a devastating blow. Their son was diagnosed with an aggressive form of eye cancer after his parents spotted his ‘crossed eyes’ and a ‘white reflection’.
Stepan and Alina Kozariichuk, both 32, relocated to the UK from their native Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2022, in pursuit of a better life and dreams of starting a family. They made Penrith in Cumbria their home and experienced a miscarriage in December 2023, having already endured one pregnancy loss back in Ukraine.
They were overjoyed when they conceived in August 2024 and welcomed their miracle son, Bohdan, the following May.
However, towards the end of 2025, the couple observed his eyes becoming crossed. Doctors examined him and also highlighted a white reflection in the tot’s eye, only visible in photos taken with the camera flash.
To their dismay, on February 13, he was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma – a rare and aggressive eye cancer – and is at risk of losing his sight. On the very same day, the couple received the devastating news that Alina’s family home back in Ukraine had been obliterated by drone attacks. The 10-month-old lad is currently undergoing chemotherapy, but faces the risk of losing his vision as the couple strive to support their son and family.
Stepan, who works in a factory, said: “We saw something wrong with his eyes, they were crossed and he had a white reflection only visible in certain lights. We thought everything would be fine – maybe he would just need a bandage on his eye for a bit.
“So when doctors diagnosed him, it was very difficult. We know the chances of recovery are quite high, but he could lose his vision in the process. On the same day, two drones hit the roof of Alina’s parents’ house back home and destroyed the house and the car.”
Stepan and Alina, who is on maternity leave, first spotted problems with their baby’s eye in December – the eyes became crossed, and there was a white shadow.
Stepan said: “It is not always visible and usually appears only at certain angles, especially under artificial light like a camera flash. We only clearly noticed it after doctors pointed it out.”
The youngster was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma – the same day news emerged that the roof had been blown off Alina’s family home in Kyiv.
Stepan said: “In one day we lost everything we had built – and learned our baby is fighting for his sight. When we got the news, I was holding my baby in my hands and he didn’t understand what was happening – so he started laughing. Meanwhile, I could barely hold myself together and Alina was crying too.”
Bohdan, their miracle ‘rainbow baby’ following two losses, started chemotherapy treatments at two hospitals – one in Newcastle and one in Birmingham. Thus far, doctors believe that the tumour is shrinking based on the two chemotherapy treatments he has received.
But even if he overcomes the cancer, his parents have been warned that he will be unlikely to retain much, if any, of his vision.
Stepan said: “He will have some vision, but we don’t know the depth or how good it will be; it’s all unknown.”
The couple are commuting between Newcastle and Birmingham every week from Cumbria to ensure their son receives the necessary care. Stepan revealed he has had to drive approximately 4,000 miles since the diagnosis to provide his son with the required care, in addition to the stress of the situation unfolding back in Ukraine.
The parents are fundraising to assist with travel and accommodation expenses, as well as potential future medical treatments for Bohdan related to his vision. Stepan is currently taking leave from work whenever Bohdan has treatments, while Alina is on maternity pay, resulting in a reduced income.
Stepan added: “Of course at first it was difficult to accept the situation, but we understand there is nothing we can do except go forwards. As parents, we hope for the best.
“Despite chemotherapy and endless hospital visits, our son still smiles, plays with his drum, watches cartoons and reaches for toys. His strength gives us strength.”
