Igor: The Boy Who Dared To Dream (Medical Documentary) | Real Stories

Following the success of the major award-winning documentary Igor - Child Of Chernobyl, the team return to continue this remarkable story.
Watch the first part of Igor's story: • Video
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[@melindamc1438]

I think Igor was so lucky to have Barbara. She has such a great sensitivity to Igor's struggles yet no arrogance to pretend she completely understands his experiences. She has so much respect for Igor, love and admiration, yet honors his independence and believes in his abilities. What a great caretaker and parental figure she became for him. So grounded and loving - probably one in a thousand or one in a million. Lovely people. xo

[@brainbrain3357]

Melinda Mc

[@susanna8612]

Unlike Lilly

[@lisawilson3032]

What a blessing they are for each other.

[@TerraJo]

He sure was fortunate to get such a loving foster mom. She is pretty remarkable!!

[@lovineveryminuetofit1314]

Terra Sandoval I agree. In the first documentary he called mom for the first time on Christmas morning so precious. No one will love him as much as she does!

[@lisafoos3948]

There are angels on Earth disguised as people. Barbara is one of the very best of the angels. Bless her lovely heart! : )

[@rawboat]

Barbara the "Minks"

[@robbyspiller2315]

Lisa Foos I agree,there is a special place in heaven for this earthly Angel..

[@lisafoos3948]

Google Kitty Okay then...

[@teresawilson3893]

No angels on earth just good people that have a heart and you don’t have to be with a god to do that

[@dimpleza]

He's married now with two children living near London!! Still very handsome!

[@littlegirllost2654]

That’s awesome to know

[@emmahorn9325]

Thank you for the update!

[@chinchinchokhlei]

Thank you for letting us know!!!

[@troysmith70]

That wonderful. I was hoping he got a good education and with one could be of great help with his experience and even possibly helping children from Belorussia.

[@anniemcelligott5475]

What is his last name

[@bishopworks3203]

Igor lives a happy life with a wife and 2 kids in London today. It's nice to see such an inspired child like Igor live out a happy life, even with such unfortunate disabilities.

[@lozzylols]

I can see Lily was doing what she thought was best, but it is so obvious she doesn't understand a boy of 9 years old! It must also have been quite daunting for Igor to have someone in his face so much, sadly I think he would have been much more open to things if it hadn't been pushed down his throat by Lily! I wonder what he feels now looking back on himself at this age! Barbara has been an amazing woman and we need so many more of her in this world x

[@LoveAlwaysWins333]

I feel a little bad for Lily. She's getting older and the one person she loves has changed so much. it's good for him but its hard to lose someone you love no matter in what form

[@melindamc1438]

Yes, I feel like she had a painful life and felt driven to make a grand gesture near the end of it. No disappointment in Igor, though. Such a genuine kid - so open and friendly but intelligent and mature, and it much have been so confronting for him at a young age. xo

[@Swampwitch99]

I felt a little resentful towards Lilly...she was not as concerned about him as much as she was about her Nationalism. I get the feeling, had she been younger, she would have fought for his return and not for his well being, but for her own unexamined motives. Those same selfish misplaced values that harm children all the time

[@JoJo-hg7tg]

I think Lilly meant well, but Igor has grown and changed while living in England. I don't think it occurred to her how much he would change, grow while being in England

[@caro2233]

@@Swampwitch99 that's quite a resentment to have towards her, indeed. considering the spacial bond she had with igor when he was little, in spite of his handicaps.

[@nancyhanson5620]

Agreed

[@heels4heal]

Barbara is such a wonderful parent and just an amazing human being!

[@Investigativebean]

It’s so wonderful to see that Barbara, and Igor stayed together. I was immensely concerned that he would be forced back to Belarus. He doesn’t need to be cuddled, or coddled anymore because he has security.

[@Lava_Girl-]

Such an amazing story. Barbara should be a role model to all Foster parents out there. I loved reading the article about how Igor is doing now. He looks like a very happy family man indeed!

[@danielhorvath9563]

Wow Barbara and Roy are Angels there is truly a special place in heaven for them. Bless them

[@hemieparkerpayne4402]

The way he called her mum is amazing ❤️❤️

[@katebeme]

Igor. You are a beautiful person. I love you. From an old woman in New Zealand

[@agent_star]

Catharina Bellekom and from a young boy in New Zealand too! 💜

[@Uzbug]

And all the best from another New Zealander.

[@Landie_Man]

Catharina Bellekom he’s still in the U.K. and has a wife and children :)

[@lynda78]

@@Landie_Man wow!! I am so happy to hear this. He deserves all the happiness in the world.

[@jennyburger07]

@@Landie_Man OMG! That is remarkable! Thank you for sharing. I've been looking for an update. Wondering if he changed his name to Michael Bennet. lol

[@sahara450]

His mother did not give him up, the government took him away as soon as he was born and she never got to see him and was denied even knowing if he was alive or not. The government was trying to hide the explosion from the public, and as he was the first case they panicked and wanted to keep him hidden away. Luckily as an adult he was able to reconnect with his birth parents and two siblings

[@rinzler_0389]

Thanks for the information 👍🏼

[@marymacbeth5922]

ALL children with disabilities, ~ those that were fortunate enough not to be taken from their parents or given away by them, are removed from their families BY the government at the age of four.

[@TheAnthoula14]

The scenes with Lilly were so sad. She was just an old lady who probably wasn't altogether there mentally. She clearly didn't process that Igor was not a baby anymore. And as far as Igor's reluctance to speak Russian or connect with his ethnicity - I came to the U.S. from another country at Igor's age, and even though I didn't have his physical issues, I didn't want any connection to my ethnicity either. I was embarrassed when my parents would try to force me to use my native language, I just wanted to be American. That changed as I became an adult of course. But I think those kinds of experiences are probably common to many kids coming from a less developed country to a more developed one, regardless of anything else.

[@theyoutubeguy1]

Did you come to America from north korea or Syria?

[@ascent8487]

TheKZbinGuy. Is this a dumb joke or are you deeply idiotic?

[@MlleLowis]

TheAnthoula14 I was the same as you, but going to France and willing to forget all of my English because of others rejection towards me. But it always changes when we grow up. It is just a way of coping with changement

[@kaylariley8795]

TheAnthoula14 did you forget your native language at all?

[@liliadavtyan3042]

Same here with me. Is not that I was embarrassed it was just every time I spoke my native language brought back so many bad memories...

[@sheerbrk9881]

he has the prettiest face!

[@margaretforrest5588]

he is very handsome isn't he

[@dollysyiem4301]

Sheer Brk yes very cute face

[@BaddaBigBoom]

...oh hoo hoo hoo, very pretty ...what about the fact that he has been allowed to develop a strong independence? Don't you think that is more important? You superficial pillocks.

[@nancyhanson5620]

He does

[@nancyhanson5620]

@@BaddaBigBoom yes!

[@Alex9-2]

I just have to day that this world doesn’t crumble down thanks to women that take all this weight of caring and nurturing children no matter their condition or disabilities like the ones in this documentary. Thank them, support them!!

[@christinaleifeste3690]

I just fell in love with this kid! Hard to imagine he's all grown up now with a little family of his own. He may have been born disfigured, but God gifted him with so much heart and joy that it's all you can see!

[@sarahlouisewould]

he's actually 25 now is married with 2 kids of his own. And he's also in touch with his birth mum who didn't abandon him they forced her to give him up as soon as he was born.

[@nerdyrandomness2547]

sarah would is it on KZbin

[@Landie_Man]

He's 31 if he was born in 1987 lol.

[@oops993]

Landie Man they made her give him up because apparently they wanted to keep the whole radiation thing under wraps

[@Poodleinacan]

He was thankfully able to find himself a wife.

[@janevanhouten3858]

I want to know more about him, where can I go to see more about him.

[@Investigativebean]

Olga is a gorgeous young lady. I love that there are families that do this.

[@WildAsDaTaliban]

Damn he runs fast.

[@preciousdiamond3628]

WildAsDaTaliban ⛩ 🖇📊

[@Dalester1979]

This story touched my heart. That women loves that boy like her own child. I read an update on Igor and he's married with children and now lives next to his mother in England. How awesome is that? God is good!!

[@daniellepickering3076]

Throughout all of these documentaries all I can say is Barbara it truly an amazing woman

[@gwynethchloe]

Update: Igor is now 29 with a wife and two children of his own❤️🙏🏽😭

[@radio.silence7719]

Thanks Angelica ;)

[@monicam74]

Thank you ! How did you find out ?

[@tashaturner4530]

I found him on Facebook. He’s very handsome! Quite fit too.

[@angel-zd8np]

But i read that he is dead.

[@markno07]

@@monicam74 Igor Pavlovets | Facebookwww.facebook.com › igor.pavlovets.9

[@atheistleftcomment1807]

This Lilly lady I know meant well but she was so overwhelming...

[@shanesmith906]

Amazing woman to take such care of igor!!.. humanity at it's finest!!

[@geriweber6514]

what a wonderful foster mum!

[@T4ZLUV]

That poor old woman saved Igor and just wanted to love and adore him and ended up so out of touch. What a lovely little boy and such a caring family

[@sahara450]

Harriet Lang It is not his fault that she became a crazy old religious fanatic and never had her own family, and that she was totally incapable and not trying to understand the mind or emotions of a nine year old or the feelings or desires of this specific child... in the end she wasn't all there...

[@chrisea]

Crazy old relgious fanatic? It's part of Russian culture to be deep rooted to Russian Orthodox / Catholic beliefs actually :/ my mom yells at me everydya to get baptized and I'm 22 she loves me I'm sure yes it may be annoying but its how they grew up especially the POOR they had nothing so they turned to relgion to help them just like people who go to jail do the same thing when people lose eveyrthing they turn to it its really sad

[@JAchica11]

His country failed him, so why wouldn't he want to become a citizen of the developed country that helped him? I pray that he's more at peace with himself and that he has a great life now.

[@Tintenfischchen]

He has a fiancee (maybe already married now, idk) and two healthy children - a boy called Leo and a girl called Mia.

[@barbarabreunis7788]

three children now. One girl two boys :-)

[@SkepticRee]

@@barbarabreunis7788 You have to be THAT Barbara - Igor's foster mom! God Bless you for all you've done for this boy. Not a lot of people watching this realize that he would have no life in Belarus at all. Following the Soviet tradition, children like Igor are hidden from the public eye - placed in institutions for life with no freedom to get a good education or proper care. You gave him everything! You saved him. Thank you!

[@barbarabreunis7788]

@@SkepticRee I'm not THAT Barbara, but I have been taken care if many children :-) In the case of Igor, many people stepped in to help out. His doctor lied and risked her job to help him. His caretakers helped out, Barbara was a true mother to him and the social workers did their share to keep him with her. What amazing things are possible if you step up and do what you can to help out. Besides that, the determination of Igor got him this far too. :-)

[@SkepticRee]

@@barbarabreunis7788 Thank you for clearing that up. Thank you too for helping the unwanted children to get somewhere in life. That is awesome.

[@pirateslifeb]

I felt really bad for Igor when he was visually uncomfortable with that old woman. Also I think if he wants to change his name because his other name gives him painful memories he should. I'd totally support that.

[@chowlinlow]

hes still igor, and has kids with his wife ;)

[@ryderdillon5657]

He runs faster than me when I saw him run my first thought was "DAMN!"

[@ascent8487]

I think often times people with disabilities are trying so hard to fit in and be "normal" but they work so hard at it, they end up leaving us in the dust. lol.

[@isaiahrooks7784]

igor's sun glasses are dope.

[@paulhunter123]

what

[@paulhunter123]

hes a much cooler dude than u

[@mickleloafm5729]

That scene of him and lily in the backyard broke my heart. The poor kid doesn't want to remember all of the suffering of his past

[@livieegee]

Damn the old lady was annoying but I can see how she doesn't want him to forget where he came from.

[@Karolien1100]

yes ! so happy to see this 2nd part !

[@chloegillen8754]

Karolien Speth there is no second part

[@allielynn4511]

This was the second part. There is another video.

[@stolin4039]

Yes, me too! Loved the first documentary.

[@maryreynolds5310]

He sure has grown up. You have done well mum!

[@Avinashmantu]

He is such a beautiful boy :) god bless him

[@joevanimacabenta1075]

Today is June 2, 2018. I watched the first part of the documentary and I don't know how many times I cried about his story. Igor is such an adorable boy.

[@Kyee71]

Thanks for posting this wonderful documentary, I've learnt a lot from watching it, we all need to appreciate and make the most out of every moment, there are no guarantees that there will be a tomorrow, be grateful for the life you have.

[@lcookie1318]

Looked him up on fb and he had a beautiful wife and two beautiful children. Truly happy for him.

[@flapjacky_7399]

L Cookie he has had a new baby recently named Louis

[@lcookie1318]

THATS AMAZING! I’m lowkey jealous lol

[@johnboys4697]

🙄🙄

[@iuditaj.1864]

His name is Igor Pavlovets. You can search on the internet about him. I'm so happy for him. Igor is married and also has children.

[@Sammy-hb4nl]

Wow, had literally watched the other documentary the other day and this comes out

[@shannonrobson5211]

Igor has came out of his shell so much since the last episode :')

[@mrsseasea]

Omg that’s so sad, the elder lady that forces Igor to say and talk his language, that’s just out right wrong! And it’s her dream, not his., she needs to realize that HIS dreams are more important than her own!

[@deannamatheson2627]

I don't like the way that this lady Lily is trying to push Igor to speak Russian again, she is there for a visit. This little boy is growing up in a new and different world and he should really not have been pushed to talk or relive his past life that he wants to forget about.

[@Bay510Area]

I think she was a little senile. She seemed overbearing.

[@stacymarie719]

He has a facebook page! He is married, has kids and looks so happy! Makes my heart just glow*** Amazing what love can do!

[@johnboys4697]

🙄

[@juliemclean6743]

"Nice one, Allen!" I lost it. I hope he remains in England. He shouldn't be in an institute.

[@D0ntTickleMe]

God bless Barbara and Igor. I've never been so happy to see a complete stranger have a beautiful wife and kids!!

[@rcchloe3702]

Scouts was the best activity for me to build my confidence so it's lovely to see you enjoying it as a child Igor x

[@peachypam4505]

Igor has a beautiful soul.....I would love to know how he is doing now...this documentary made me sad....but once I saw his whole story it made me happy....that he over came the situation that life deal him.....igor is a god..............

[@sahara450]

candy land He lives a great life in Surrey with his wife and two kids.

[@kimberlywoodyard5284]

Watching these makes me really want to adopt!

[@dawndouglas922]

Igor . You are huge. Your vest for life, and the passion with which you attack challenges is brilliant, You are successful & strong now, maybe you are just a bit young to see it. The thing that stood out in the documentary is your character + a cheeky face. Inspiring !!!!

[@kaitlynbarnard864]

Just letting you guys know, Igor is now married and has 3 children, he works as a home designer for his own business and is overall seemingly content as he jokes on Facebook that, “ you shouldn’t look too high or you will miss me!” He doesn’t seem to wear any prosthetics nowadays but I can’t be totally sure. I am just glad he is doing well!

[@cathyvanzyl6306]

So glad to hear. Can you send me a clip of his new life as an adult. Thnx

[@chrishowland6062]

Watching this, I’m not ashamed to admit tears have cried many times. Igors spirit is awesome ,his mum , angelic, positive and full of love and life.

[@chrishowland6062]

Adding a reply cos I can’t find edit. Reading the messages here Revitalises my faith in other humans. Love , warmth, compassion , understanding all shine here and its heart melting. In a world , dull and foggy with so much intolerance and hate these comments shine brightly Love love love

[@keribell74]

Poor kid. That old lady scares me :/

[@Investigativebean]

His English is fantastic at this point too!

[@robertthornton5790]

IGOR, you are a great inspiration to the world, I would be proud to have as my son, Please continue to be the great inspiration to everyone, you are beautiful

[@chrisamy1871]

I'm on the documentary climbing out of the pool at Cub Camp. My Dad is the Cub Leader who goes and does the flag with Igor at the camp as well. It was a great time, that was 1996 and we used to go to Cubs together every Wednesday. Igor still lives in the local area but I haven'y spoken to him in years.

[@mimi_elk.7614]

He is married and has 3 children now they are still living in London and doing great 👍. Well done Igor you are inspiration...

[@julied6322]

What made me sad was every time they showed him playing at home he was alone. I know he had camp and organized sports at school but they never showed him with his friends. Apparently he had girlfriends. Heck, what girl wouldn't want a handsome vibrant boy like he? I'm glad he eventually found one who looked at his abilities instead of his disabilities.

[@brenaomi]

He's such a handsome guy

[@alys4570]

Igor pavlovets is doing really well . He’s married with three children (2 boys and 1 girl). He still lives in London working as a painter. He was able to meet his birth parents. He found out the truth that he was taken from his birth parents and forcibly placed in an orphanage. His birth parents were extremely excited to meet him and vice versa.

[@melmel7881]

this little handsome boy grew into a handsome man who is married with three beautiful children!! I am speechless and happy that he has a real chance at life.

[@donnahague8983]

OMGosh...what a story...so happy to see he is married now with children...I'm so happy that you have a great life... Love from the USA 🇺🇸

[@clpr2023]

Barbara!!!!! You’re the best! You’re his hero. I applaud you! Igor what determination. You amaze me! Congrats on all your accomplishments

[@JAchica11]

That crazy old woman! All Christians are not weird like this. That woman was too much! She should have been loving after seeing the child after two years. She's too much!

[@brucevancamp4498]

This is such a bitter sweet story. Barbara, you are an Angel. Thank you for your enduring love for Igor. The documentary should have gone farther into your family and Igor's journey. I did see some of the comments about him and his family later in his life. I pray all is well with him and you also. I would like to know how things worked out for all of you. You have the patience of Job, God bless you all. Igor was Blessed to have found you, and you to have found him. God has a plan. Thank you, I too am a foster parent of 21 years and I adopted one along with my 3 biological and 2 Grandchildren. P.S. I have had 128 foster children.

[@violeta6846]

Why did they leave him alone with Lila??? She's an old lady who has gone through two heart attacks and radiation. She probably has mental issues. Wtf 1990s

[@Landie_Man]

And the interpretator and television production crew. Oh and the staff and residents of the guest house. Also, I don't think going through radiation would make a difference in this case

[@sahara450]

Landie Man She kicked out the interpreter stating that "god would help them communicate and he would remember his russian" (which he hadn't used in several years and didn't remember at all). She was pretty intense on him with the religion, the russian, and not letting him have a moment to himself or any personal space.

[@Landie_Man]

CC I understand that man. But remember there’s a producer there, and a cameraman.

[@riley1906]

hi all :) if anyone was wondering (just like i was) Igor is thriving! i think he's around 30 now, but he is married to a lovely lady and has two healthy kids.

[@watchgoose]

the other vid had a comment that he didn't have "the main bone" in his legs and that isn'true - he has both femur (hip to knee) and tibia (knee to ankle) , they are just very small. Too bad they weren't doing as much with stem cell therapy at that time.

[@hindutubezzzz]

I'm really interested to see how his life has turned out, he should be in his mid 30-s now. Would be cool if someone find and interview him now. Hope he stayed in UK. I'm from Kiev and my father had been involved as ' liquidator' from day one - all the support for Chernobyl victims was cut down couple of years ago(

[@sahara450]

hindutubezzzz He lives in surrey now and worked as a mechanic before becoming a stay at home Dad :)

[@barbarabreunis7788]

He is a painter now and married with 3 children; one girl and 2 boys.

[@lorenajenny]

Incredible humans! Barbara gave this little angel a new life ! I wish him the best. May he have a long happy life .

[@loriwoloshyn7266]

One can't blame the lad for wanting to forget his past, there truly are Angels here on earth.

[@18vylee02]

Barbara is an angel.. she loves him unconditionally... 🙏🏼

[@brittaniosullivan7745]

He reminds me of my 3 year old son, they have very similar facial features and both have such a strong independence! What a beautiful spirit!

[@Phoenix_blue]

I was reluctant to trust Barbara at 1st, but I 💗💕 her to bits now. Igor stole my heart from the start!! best feeling documentary literally ever!

[@brianaricci92]

Id be honored to have any of these beautiful babies, its such a shame that they are just abandoned 😭😭😭😢😢😢

[@cathyvanzyl6306]

What a courageous young lad. God bless his foster mom and the dedicated drs

[@meganhess5822]

He has a family and children

[@Lexi_kit190]

I love this story of Igor.. broke my heart when he’d say he didn’t want to go back to Russia and always made sure that Barbara was coming back to him when he’d leave to school. I would love to adopt him!! 😪❤️❤️

[@karenmeehan999]

The amount of bloody ads on this documentary is so annoying ffs!!!

[@troysmith70]

Bless you Barbara bless you for showering only what a true mother can do and that's your unconditional love!

[@c.s.7266]

This was such a beautiful story. I'm so happy for Igor.

[@earthlycolorbrown6246]

Bless You Barbara! Much love, patience, humor, friendships, and joy to You Igor and a dog! I have many!

[@itsjustme1529]

Barbara is a Saint!!

[@PeppermintToasties]

He never ended up in a wheel chair. He has a happy loving wife and 2 children as of this 2014 article. For anyone wondering. have a read. His Mum also wrote a book about the children of Chernobyl. www.express.co.uk/news/uk/462421/I-ve-had-a-brilliant-life-despite-being-different-says-Chernobyl-boy-Igor

[@masmerah8549]

💕💕💕touching my heart....

[@Gary_Howe]

Was looking through videos during the Covid19 lockdown and came across this. So glad that I know Igor. Haven't seen him in awhile but have some great memories with him, especially getting out of it in Ibiza.

[@milarose5155]

wait do you know him personally?

[@Gary_Howe]

@@milarose5155 Yeah. I know him personally.

[@tiannabrown566]

Such a handsome boy 😊

[@Clairemal]

Are you guys going to be able to Upload the next two videos of igors story?

[@nyla-amarasmit8117]

Claire Matson are there more? what happens to him till his adult? i see he is married kids in london but where is barbara? does he speak russia? pls? xx

[@allielynn4511]

Where did you see the update? I'd love to see a picture or read more about him. Bet he's handsome because he was an adorable kid!

[@oops993]

sha holland thanks so much!!

[@cherrigrover9100]

SAMI van Ammers thank you.

[@schoomzer]

@@sami6092Thank you

[@spikevlogs6522]

the foster mom is amazing... i hope all fosters mom... similar to her... hugs hugs hugs.... she is so nice and full of love.....

[@ecuadorexpat8558]

What an incredible child and what a moving story of Barbara

[@brittany1679]

Igor is blessed to have a dedicated foster mother. With her by his side he can do anything.

[@tonybost6817]

That whole situation with the will was way too much for him to understand at that time... so sad.

[@leannemayor5755]

What a beautiful boy . I’m sure he has grown into an incredible young man . Grounded and able to do anything he wanted . Xo 2022

[@yvonaamariaa]

I saw this story about the courage little Igorabout a year ago. I remember that I watched it several times and I've watched it a couple of times again. This beautiful boy is just astounding. He reminds me of my second grandchild. Even his spirit is like my Elias. I call him "my sweet boy."

[@TheLoveystanton]

I loved this story, he was the cutest boy. Many people showed him love... Love watching how excited he gets playing sports.

[@Sohraiyah1]

OMG SO COOL He stayed in England as well So awesome!!!

[@BattleAngel-jj9hd]

This made me think a lot... thoughts and love to Igor and thoughts and love to the forgotten children.. And people like Lily. Bless her.... And Barbara and all of his new family and friends... That is a beautiful thing. I just wish that would happen for all the children that were thrown away. ... I hope to adopt and I look to people like this as inspiration.

[@manuelmejia7568]

I was wading through the Internet when I encountered Igor's story. I do not think I will be quite the same again. I discovered part of my humanity that rarely gets sensed. Thank you for this cinematography.