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Project Orphan Outreach continues to help disabled Russians
By LINDA M. LINONIS
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 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. The church is pastored by the Rev. Mrs. Adams’ husband, the Rev. Russ Adams, and previous dinners have been hosted there.
While funding the prostheses remains an ongoing effort, Mrs. Adams said the orphans receive free dental services from Dr. Pamela Barkett.
On this visit, Kolya and Stas had fillings, and Stas also was seen at Mill Creek Oral and Masillofacial Surgery Associates in Boardman and Austintown with Drs. Mark Billy and Craig Wagley. “They have been so generous,” Mrs. Adams said.
Dr. Barkett said she became involved when Children of Chernobyl was hosted by Valley families and she provided dental care. That was in the early 2000s. “It led to treating the Russian orphans,” she said.
Makarov was her first patient from this group.
“I try to look ahead to prevent future problems,” Dr. Barkett said, adding since the young men are not local, they receive care on visits spaced years apart. “I love meeting them and talking with them,” she said.
Tamara Elsas is interpreter, and Anna Leksina is the chaperone. “I learn something when I talk with them,” Dr. Barkett said. Kolya has seen Dr. Barkett three times; Stas was on his first visit. They also see a dental hygienist who cleans their teeth.
While in the Valley, Kolya and Stas also are spending some time with Elsas’ family in Aurora, which includes 16-year-old son Robert. The boys like to play video games and table tennis. Kolya and Stas also will attend a Pittsburgh Penguins hockey game and visit the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum. They’re also going to a performance by Cirque D’or at W.D. Packard Music Hall in Warren.
Mrs. Adams said Kolya and Stas arrived March 5 and will return to Russia on Monday. The return trip will have an extra traveler with the group as Mrs. Adams is going to Russia to teach English. “There’s a need for a conversational-English instructor,” she said. She will spend some time at the Renewal Orphanage.
Mrs. Adams had suspended trips when there was turmoil in Ukraine. “I feel I will be safe,” she said, adding she was working on her itinerary with a trusted liaison in Moscow.