The couple learn the home in Ukraine is hit by drones on the day of their baby's cancer diagnosis.
19 hours ago
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A Ukrainian family living in Cumbria received news of their baby's cancer diagnosis, on the same day their family's home was destroyed by a Russian drone strike.
Stepan and Alina Kozariichuk, originally from the Odesa region and now living Penrith, noticed their now 11-month-old son Bohdan was squinting and had trouble getting his toys.
He was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma on Friday 13 February, then later that day they were told Alina's father's house had been hit.
The couple said they have cried together but when they see a smile on their baby's face they "smile and joke together, hoping there will be better times".
Speaking to BBC Radio Cumbria via a friend who translated, Alina said the baby was "really, really wanted" as she had endured two previous miscarriages.
They noticed Bohdan's symptoms when he was about six months old.
Both of his eyes were affected and the couple were told his cancer was at an advanced stage, needing long complex treatment including chemotherapy, cryotherapy and laser therapy.
BBC / John Bowness
On the same day he was diagnosed, the couple received news from Ukraine that Bohdan's grandfather's house had been destroyed by two drones.
He and his wife survived, but their home and car were wrecked.
"It was very hard," Alina said, describing it as the worst day of their lives.
Stepan Kozariichuk
The family have been travelling to Newcastle for chemotherapy and then to Birmingham for regular specialist treatment.
In a statement, the couple said Bohdan had been their "little hero".
"Despite chemotherapy and endless hospital visits, he still smiles, plays with his drum, watches cartoons and reaches for toys," they said.
"His strength gives us strength."
The family said they hoped to travel back home when the war ends.
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