This is not a story about a disease. Kirill's story is about a seriously ill boy who seldom leaves his room, but whose dream of space travel allows him to leave his world and explore the unknown of boundless and endless space.
Spaceboy.
Portrait. A Hero of Our Time., Jury Honorable Mention
Kirill's portrait. He is incurably ill from birth. Among his many diagnosises are lymphangioma of the face, neck and mediastinum, Gorner’s syndrome, neuropathy of the facial nerve, explaining the deformrity of his face.
Kirill here is lying on his bed amid the planets and star-studded bed sheets. Some medical equipment may be seen nearby.
Kirill plays with a telescope on his bed. Kirill's grandmother is Russian orthodox, explaining why many Russian orthodox icons can be seen on the walls of Kirill's room.
Here Kirill draws space pictures on a special drawing board. Kirill cannot speak but is able to write and draw. He uses these skills to communicate.
Kirill can't eat normally due to his disease. He can only digest food in liquid form.
Kirill can't eat normally due to his illnesses. He receives special medical treatment and nutrition through tubes inserted into his body.
Kirill is seen here wearing his space-themed pajamas. Kirill's main interest is space. That is why his parents and volunteers often give Kirill toys and clothing with space drawings and designs.
Kirill plays with a big bouncy ball in his room. Like every child, he loves to play active games.
Kirill has serious breathing problems due to his disease. In order for him to breathe more easily a tracheostomy was performed to insert a breathing tube. He must also do special inhalations several times a day.
Kirill likes to look out the window of his room. He seldom leaves his room and rarely goes outside because of his condition.
Kirill plays at a table. He has just made a paper sun.
Kirill jumping on his bed. As is the case with every child, he likes to be active.