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Homeward unbound
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Ron Santiago, physical therapist at Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates, works with Kolya Denykin on exercises to improve his muscle tone so he is better able to balance on his new prosthetic legs.
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Nicholai “Kolya” Denykin, 11, of the Renewal Orphanage in Dimitrov, Russia, practices his soccer kicking technique as part of his physical therapy at Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates in Canfield. Kolya, who was born with no legs beyond the knees, was fitted with prosthetics by Craig Svader of Advanced Anatomical Design in Girard and Canfield.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
linonis@vindy.com
CANFIELD
When Nicholai “Kolya” Denykin arrived in the U.S. on Aug. 30, he was in a wheelchair.
When he leaves Saturday to return to the Renewal Orphanage in Dimitrov, Russia, he will be in an upright position on new prosthetic legs.
It’s been an amazing journey for Kolya, who turned 11 on Nov. 7. It was made possible though the
efforts of the Rev, Kathryn Adams, director of Protestant Campus Ministries at Youngstown State University and the To Russia with Love volunteer-in-mission team. To Russia with Love is a nonprofit organization and extension of PCM.
The Rev. Mrs. Adams, who has taken 17 mission trips to Russian orphanages, was asked by the Renewal director if the group could help Kolya. He was born without legs below the knees and the lower part of his right arm.
The mission team had successfully helped another resident of the orphanage, Vlad Makarov, now 20, be fitted for prosthetic legs. In fact, Makarov accompanied Kolya on this visit because he had to have an adjustment.
Both Kolya and Makarov were fitted for prosthetics by Craig Svader, a certified prosthetist with Advanced Anatomical Design with offices in Canfield and Girard. Svader donated his time, expertise and materials to the prosthetics, which cost $20,000. A concert and donations raised $5,000 for the effort.
Kolya has been in physical therapy at Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates, 6470 Tippecanoe Road, for three weeks and has another week to go. Ron Santiago, physical therapist, said the challenge for Kolya was to build strength and balance. He said that because Kolya hasn’t walked, his hip muscles had to be strengthened through exercises such as sitting on an exercise ball and lying on a table and lifting up each hip.
“He has far surpassed by expectations,” Santiago said of Kolya’s progress. “I thought climbing stairs would be too much for him, but he made a liar out of me.
“Kolya’s determined, and that’s the key. He’s willing to trust,” the therapist added, noting that adults often are apprehensive in therapy.
Santiago said he has made a video of Kolya and his progress. “It will inspire people,” he said, noting he plans to show it to patients who may feel discouraged in their rehabilitation.
Though there’s a language issue, it’s never been a barrier, Santiago said. “We’re able to communicate.”
A friend of Mrs. Adams’, Nelya Stefanides, who hails from Uzbekistan, Russia, serves as a translator.
Santiago said he and another therapist took a class on prosthetics to be prepared for Kolya’s therapy. “Everything I learned went out the window,” Santiago said.
Santiago said he drew on his 13 years of experience as a physical therapist and tailored the exercise and rehabilitation program to Kolya. “I was creative and drew on what I knew,” he said.
Santiago credited the boy with “working hard and being very determined.”
Santiago said he works with Kolya in three one-hour sessions weekly. Beth White, director of specialty imagining and marketing services, said Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates donated the therapy as a community-service project. The practice (www.orthocenteryoa.com) includes nine orthopaedic surgeons, and physical and occupational therapists.
“Kolya is always smiling and is attentive,” White said.
Santiago said that because Kolya also is missing the lower part of his right arm, his balance is affected. He said most people don’t think about how their arms help them maintain balance.
Mrs. Adams said Kolya has adapted well to the prosthetics and uses them most of the day. He uses a wheelchair when faced with walking long distances. She said friends hosted a birthday party for Kolya, and he liked attending a YSU football game. Kolya likes to play soccer.
Mrs. Adams will fly with Kolya to New York, then he’ll be on his own to Moscow, where an orphanage official will meet him.