We're helping József back on his feet

József today is a seven-year-old boy who suffers from infantile cerebral palsy. Victims of this condition are also generally referred to as spastic. He lives in Sárosoroszi, a small village in Transcarpathia, in western Ukraine.

Ukraine is still a politically unstable country, just as it was earlier. No fundamental improvement in living conditions for the population is in prospect. In Transcarpathia 80% of the inhabitants are unemployed, the average monthly income is about $120. Medical care and better chances for the handicapped are poor in comparison to western countries.

József’s family happened to learn about the effective treatment in a famous Ukrainian clinic. This establishment in Truskavec north of the Carpathian Mountains is in every respect on a par with western standards. Thus it not surprising to meet patients there from western Europe again and again.
Treatment is not cheap and József’s family would never be able to pay for it.

It is the only possibility of enabling the seven-year-old boy to have a somewhat assured future existence. Handicapped children in Transcarpathia are mainly a taboo topic. Often even the inhabitants of a village don't know whether any families have handicapped members. They play no part in public life. Since they receive no education or treatment, their subsequent existence is defined by begging and almsgiving as a rule.

József was in Truskavec for the first time in the spring of 2008. In the clinic he received a thorough examination with follow-up treatment, including massage therapy, photo therapy and exercise therapy. Even with this first visit he experienced visible results. József can move his hands, arms and legs better. His overall posture became more stable, and he experiences more assuredness being less afraid of movement.

József in Truskavec Treatment in Truskavec

The doctors gave instructions for regular practice sessions at home and assured his parents that there was still a potential for treatment which promised success. They therefore recommended continuing treatment in Truskavec at roughly four-month intervals. In July the boy began his second stay in the clinic, where additional treatment is to follow.

People in charge at the benefit society regularly keep up to date with the situation and the progress within József's family. In November 2008 he greatly surprised us. Since his treatment last summer he can for the first time take a few steps on his own, though somewhat wobbly, but without any outside help. We were delighted, but it is clear how important this treatment is and it is easy to see that all the money for this is "well spent". His parents are happy and grateful for the progress of their little "special-needs" child.
Beginning in the fall of 2009 József is to attend the local school, even though this represents something totally new for the school, and a few conditions still have to be met.
We are eager to assist József as he goes through his young life, so he can finally "stand on his own two feet". It is wonderful to think that we are thus sparing a handicapped child from a beggarly existence. Don't you agree?

Have a heart for József and make a contribution yourself. Let others know about this charitable project of ours.

We sincerely ask you to send your support for József!
Help him with your donation so he can finally "stand on his own two feet".

Please send your donation to our account at Sparkasse Vogtland.