Leaves of Hope - Nastya Appeal

NASTYA APPEAL

Most of you will be familiar with Nastya’s story. Abandoned at birth with an enlarged head, webbed hands and feet and severe breathing difficulties, Nastya’s mother had been told to abandon her as she was going to die. Nastya and ‘Leaves of Hope’ had other ideas.

On 3rd January 2006 Nastya celebrated her 4th birthday, the third she had enjoyed living back with her parents

We have continually supported the family, helping with the cost of necessary drugs, treatments and surgery, but Nastya’s condition is rare and unknown in Belarus. Concerns about the pressure building behind her eyes and in her head meant that we had to bring her to England for assessment.

'Leaves of Hope' wanted to ensure that the family was given full and expert information about Nastya's clinical needs. This involved consultations with 9 different specialists in and around London. The travelling was tedious and tiring. Nastya was poked and prodded and examined from every angle. The day spent at Great Ormond Street for the CT scan under sedation was particularly stressful. But she coped wonderfully and the visit was timely.

Electro-diagnostic test		Tummy examination at Great Ormond Street Hospital

More tests at Great Ormond Street Hospital		We now know the nature of the problem. We know that there is pressure building in her brain and complex craniofacial surgery will be required. First though, she will have the simple things done – the removal of her tonsils and adenoids - as that may relieve some of the pressure and delay the necessity for immediate action. Apparently it would be good to delay the surgery as long as possible as it will be extensive and complex (and very expensive!)

With Professor Hayward at Great Ormond Street Hospital

We also discovered that Nastya had significant Astigmatism and an independent optician from Worthing was able to supply her with a pair of glasses at very short notice. Nastya is thrilled.

My new specs

Please help us to help her

To make a donation on line just click here: http://www.justgiving.com/leavesofhopenastya