Shpola Orphans
I'd never been to a Sanatorium before...
When we visited Shpola Orphanage last week, I was shocked to discover that 8 children had been sent to the Sanatorium!
In Ukraine, a sanatorium is a bit like a health spa with medical services. Children who live in an orphanage or who are in foster care, generally qualify to spend a month per year at a sanatorium. Even though they have to go to school throughout their stay, during this time, the hope is that their immune system is strengthened by having extra rest, better food, fresh air and a medical check...
In Ukraine, a sanatorium is a bit like a health spa with medical services. Children who live in an orphanage or who are in foster care, generally qualify to spend a month per year at a sanatorium. Even though they have to go to school throughout their stay, during this time, the hope is that their immune system is strengthened by having extra rest, better food, fresh air and a medical check...
Let's meet the Pikuyev Kids
On my very first visit to Shpola orphanage, in November 2014, I fell in love with the Pikuyev kids.
That visit was a blur of meeting 170 excited children plus Directors, teachers and caregivers. I didn’t have much time to spend with the children, as I was there to finalize plans for our first summer camp scheduled for the following week. But as I was touring the grounds, I felt hot, sweaty hands gently clutching mine. That’s when I met Dima & Bogdan – two of the Pikuyev brothers – and from then on, they were always at my side...
That visit was a blur of meeting 170 excited children plus Directors, teachers and caregivers. I didn’t have much time to spend with the children, as I was there to finalize plans for our first summer camp scheduled for the following week. But as I was touring the grounds, I felt hot, sweaty hands gently clutching mine. That’s when I met Dima & Bogdan – two of the Pikuyev brothers – and from then on, they were always at my side...
Alina's Opportunity = Plastic Surgery
Imagine being a beautiful, healthy 8-year-old girl with an ugly scar tearing across half of your face. That is our Alina – a lovely and bright girl, who is unable / unwilling to fully smile.
I met Alina at Shpola Orphanage 2 years ago, and have been trying to make her smile ever since. For the past couple of days, she has not stopped! That’s because we have found a plastic surgeon who will perform her facial surgery “completely free of charge.”Even in cases of orphans, there is no such thing as a free lunch, so a donation to the hospital is expected...
I met Alina at Shpola Orphanage 2 years ago, and have been trying to make her smile ever since. For the past couple of days, she has not stopped! That’s because we have found a plastic surgeon who will perform her facial surgery “completely free of charge.”Even in cases of orphans, there is no such thing as a free lunch, so a donation to the hospital is expected...
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