Valley residents helping Russian orphans who are missing limbs

CANFIELD

The generosity of Mahoning Valley residents has helped make it possible for Russian orphans who are missing limbs to be fitted with prosthetics and be able to walk.

The Rev. Kathryn Adams, founder of Project Orphan Outreach, has led 23 trips to Russian orphanages, starting in 1996. Many visits were to Renewal Orphanage in Dimitrov, Russia, where the children have physical disabilities.

In 2008, she arranged for Vlad Makarov to come to the United States when he was 17 years old to be fitted with prosthetics. He had lost both legs below the knees in a railroad accident.

In 2010, Nicholai “Kolya” Denykin, then 10, came to the U.S. to be fitted for prosthetics. Kolya, now 16, was born without legs below the knees and is missing the lower part of his right arm.

Project Orphan Outreach paid for their prostheses. The nonprofit organization is continuing that project and needs to raise $12,000. Those funds will pay for adjustments to and liners for Kolya’s prostheses and provide a left prosthetic leg for Stanislav “Stas” Novikov, 12, who will mark his 13th birthday on March 31. The prosthetic work is being done by Shamp Bionics in Akron.

A benefit spaghetti dinner is planned Saturday at Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road (U.S. Route 62) and is being prepared by Bob and Debbie Russo, church members.

Read more about these youngsters and the outreach program in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.