Sopho Bolkvadze

Demetre is a 7-year-old boy who came into this world earlier than expected and managed to completely change my entire perception of life.

 

Demetre lives with multiple acquired diagnoses: cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, epilepsy, and developmental delay.

Our journey began the moment he was born. While still living in Batumi, Demetre required neurosurgical treatment, which continued one month later at the Ghudushauri Clinic in Tbilisi. This little fighter — who weighed only 900 grams during his first surgery — lived in that clinic for almost a year, bravely enduring 12 surgeries.

 

At the age of 23, my life as a parent turned upside down. When I first met my baby, I was overwhelmed with a flood of emotions. I couldn’t grasp what lay ahead of us. I didn’t know how to act or what to expect. The future felt uncertain and inexplicable.

 

Even though doctors gave Demetre a 0% chance of survival, I never gave up hope. Some even questioned whether it was worth fighting for him. Unfortunately, such attitudes still exist today.

 

As part of our battle, we temporarily moved from Batumi to Tbilisi to ensure that Demetre had access to all the necessary resources — therapy, medication, exercise.

 

You can’t hide emotions around Demetre. He is filled with such honesty and unconditional love that being near him teaches you how to find happiness in the little things.

 

In many ways, I’m learning how to live — all over again — with him by my side.

 

One particularly valuable experience was the National Parents' Conference organized by MAC Georgia. It played a significant role in raising my awareness. It was there that I learned about the people and resources that helped answer the many questions I had accumulated over the past two years.

 

To other young parents facing similar challenges, my advice is this: don’t see it as the end. Learn from the experiences of other parents — including mine. I am ready and willing to share detailed information, so you can navigate this journey with more clarity and support.

 

You’ll discover strength within yourself that you never knew existed. Just keep thinking positively — because positive thinking can guide you on the right path.