Olga holds a smiling Vladimir

It has been two months since Vladimir Chebotarenco began receiving therapy at the Rehabilitation Institute and a big change has taken place. (To read original story, please click here). Vladimir is now able to kick his legs and to move his head, arms and hands. For the first time, he looks happy.
"We think that the time here has really changed a lot in our lives. Vladimir is getting healthy and getting more abilities. It is giving us more hope for the future," said Sergei.

Sergei and Olga work with Vladimir during a physical therapy session

Vladimir also began a regimen of medication in combination with his physical rehabilitation. The combination has drastically improved his muscle spasticity; he is much more comfortable. He seems happier and calmer. He is now able to turn his head and neck and is beginning to react to his surroundings.
"He's more relaxed and can use more of his muscles. Before we never saw him laugh. We never saw him smile. He is responding to more things. He responds to mine and Olga's voices," said Sergei.
Because his neck muscles are more relaxed, Vladimir is able to use his voice. He is starting to recognize that he is capable of producing different sounds and can make noises to get attention and to get what he needs.

Vladimir is now able to sit in a supported position

One of the goals of this trip was to teach Sergei and Olga exercises and stretches that will help Vladimir remain comfortable and active. We wanted to teach them things that they would be capable of doing in their own home.
"We have taught them some basic passive stretching, some developmental positioning techniques?to get Vladimir onto his stomach, to get him sitting in a supported position. Speech therapist Lynn Drazinski taught them techniques to make feeding easier," said therapist Michele Ahern. A few short months ago, Vladimir's muscles were too tight to allow for any movement.

Sergei and Olga work together to stretch Vladimir's leg muscles

Sergei, Olga and Vladimir have returned to Moldova. They return with hope and the knowledge needed to help their son live to his fullest potential. This journey would not have been possible without the help of our friends in the community. It is thanks to you that Sergei and Olga will be able to use what they have learned at the Rehabilitation Institute to help Vladimir in Moldova.
"We are very thankful to the whole clinic. We have received so much more than we can ever give back," said Sergei.

To help others, like Vladimir, click here.

Two and a half years ago, in Kishinev, Moldova, Sergei and Olga Chebotarenco celebrated the birth of their first child, Vladimir. Vladimir is a beautiful blue-eyed, blond-haired little boy. He was born with Spastic Triplegic Cerebral Palsy. His little muscles are stiff and inflexible, he is legally blind and has many cognitive challenges.

From the beginning, Muldovian doctors offered Sergei and Olga very little hope. They were told that there was nothing that could be done. It was suggested that they put Vladimir in an orphanage, that he would never lead a productive life.

"They said that he would be like a living doll, like a toy. Vladimir, in our country, was treated as less than human. Doctors said they would only treat him if he was sick and that they would only treat the symptoms of the illness. Not the main problem," said Sergei.

And yet Sergei and Olga did not give up. They care for Vladimir themselves, doing what they can with what they have. Sergei works as an English translator for the Salvation Army. Through his work he met a man doing missionary work for the Redeemer Presbyterian Church of Overland Park. Desperately searching for outside help, Sergei convinced the missionary to take Vladimir’s medical records to an American doctor. After returning to the States, the missionary gave Vladimir's medical records—including two MRI's—to a local doctor.

"In the past, we had sent a lot of information about Vladimir's health situation to Americans. They only responded by asking for more information and then they would disappear," Sergei said.

This time it was different; the Kansas City doctor believed that Vladimir could be helped. And he believed that the Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City was the place that could help. The doctor and church group contacted Dr. Jane Emerson, medical director of the Pediatric/Adolescent Program.

The Rehabilitation Institute is an expert at handling complex cases. But this case was different. Because there was no way to examine Vladimir before bringing him to the United States, a decision had to be made about what could be done for him and if he and the family could benefit from the services we could offer.

"In looking this case over, I believed that a trial at medical rehabilitation was warranted. This child, at least from pictures, appeared to have some abilities. He appeared very healthy and was being orally fed. I thought this, in itself, was encouraging and speaks to the hard work and effort put forth by the family," said Dr. Emerson.

After careful consideration the Rehabilitation Institute agreed to help Vladimir. Then the 250-members of Redeemer Presbyterian Church went to work raising the funds necessary to bring Sergei, Olga and Vladimir to Kansas City for a six to nine week treatment program.

Vladimir began treatment on Tuesday, February 20, 2006. Physical therapist Michele Ahern, occupational therapist Annette Lewer and speech therapist Lynn Drazinski are working not only with Vladimir but also with his parents.

Speech therapy is focusing on improving Vladimir’s oral and motor skills, to allow for easier feeding and to enhance communication. Physical therapy is helping him gain control of his head, neck and trunk muscles. The therapists are working on ways to help Vladimir increase his interaction with external stimuli. His parents are also being taught sensory integration techniques to help keep Vladimir calm during stretching exercises. The goal of therapy is to help maximize Vladimir's developmental, physical and functional potential and to help educate his parents on ways that they can address his current and future needs.

“We are educating Vladimir's parents so that they will be able to continue Vladimir's treatment when they return home and to possibly share their knowledge with other parents in Moldova who have children with similar problems," said Charlene Soetaert, case manager.

"We hope he'll make gains. We believe there is hope. We will do everything on our side we can do. He is getting bigger and recognizing more. We find great joy in this. He's the best child in the world," said Sergei.

The Rehabilitation Institute is honored to provide help and hope to this special family.