Required: rehabilitation course in the center “Rodnik” (Spring), St. Petersburg, worth 276,725 rubles.
Diagnosis: cerebral palsy, spastic quadriplegia.
We have a son growing up in our family – a true man who turned 17 in March. Last year Oleg got the Certificate of Basic General Education with A’s and B’s and continued his studies to be trained in the field of Accounting. Everything would have been perfect but for Oleg’s diseases. When he was one year old, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and spastic quadriplegia. The family has been fighting the disease for almost 17 years now.
And their efforts were not in vain. Oleg can walk quite confidently holding someone’s hand. He starts walking lopsidedly sometimes, though, when he is in a hurry. But still, he can walk a small distance across the room on his own. It’s a huge achievement for a boy who could hardly maintain a stable posture. It was hard work and regular rehabilitation courses that helped to achieve tremendous success, most of those became possible due to support from charity funds and those who empathize with people in need. Oleg’s mother is a housewife who dedicated her whole life to taking care of her son. His father is the only breadwinner in the family. His salary and Oleg’s social benefits are the only sources of income which is barely enough to make two ends meet and buy medicine for the son, so the family has to turn to charity funds for help to pay for rehabilitation courses.
Oleg is now studying in Mikhailovsk boarding college for kids with special needs not far from Ryazan. Oleg went to college to become more independent. He entered it to master accounting skills, but also to prove himself that he can lead an independent life in the future.
Oleg can now move around with a quad cane. He falls now and then, which doesn’t frighten him off. He knows that people have ups and downs in their lives, sometimes, quite literally. The family supports his choice and hopes that Oleg can get ahead and benefit society – same as other boys and girls.
His parents make sure that their son keeps fit. However, Oleg can’t have a rehabilitation course any time now – he takes his studies seriously. So, the family plans to have rehabilitation courses during the winter and summer breaks. Oleg enjoys great support in the center “Rodnik” (Spring), St. Petersburg, and hopes to get there for his rehabilitation next year. Oleg has always demonstrated amazing results after rehabilitation courses, but the cost (276,725 rubles) is too high for the family, and they can’t afford it.
From his mom’s letter:
“We are hoping for your help and understanding. Oleg is growing up and we can’t miss the adolescent growth spurt.
Oleg has few friends, mostly, his classmates, but he keeps in touch with a lot of people across Russia. We have a younger son, Evgeniy, who is 10 years old. He is a straight A pupil who misses his elder brother and always waits for him to come back home.
A million thanks go to everyone who helps such kids in getting rehabilitation and giving them the opportunity to get on their feet. It’s their only hope to become independent and achieve success in their lives, but most importantly – to get a sense of purpose in this world.
God bless everyone! Out family is eternally grateful to all those who support and help us to keep on fighting for a happy life for our kids!”
Diema’s Dream Fund is raising funds for Oleg!