The funds for Nadya's treatment were raised.
Thank you very much!
Hello!
We are parents of Zlata Chernoknizhnaya. Our daughter was born on June 12,
2006 in St. Petersburg. Her birth was a source of great happiness for us. The
girl was growing and developing very well. We were happy and proud of our
close-knit family. However, our untainted joy did not last long. When she was
just six months old, Zlata was found to have a brain tumor.
The mass was almost 5 cubic cm in volume, in the head of the six-months-old
baby! The ground was falling out from under our feet. The doctors were
surprised that she could even move and eat well.
The oncologists diagnosed Zlata with juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (glioma
of optic nerve). The tumor was considered inoperable because our daughter
could lose her vision completely after the tumor' removal. As the only
suitable option she was offered chemotherapy. For a year and a half we lived
in a hospital. It is there, while connected to infusomats, Zlata learned to
walk, talk, eat by herself and everything else that a child her age supposed
to do. In a year and a half we traveled a very difficult road to recovery of
our little girl.
Then the treatment protocol was over and in two months Zlata had the first
follow-up testing. She did not pass. Her tumor started growing again. Zlata
developed severe headaches; was vomiting and crying from pain! Despite the
risk of vision loss, the decision was made to urgently remove as much tumor
as possible. Zlata was between life and death and we were ready for anything
to save her life. Our daughter had an operation, during which her tumor was
reduced in size, but unfortunately, she lost her sight. The first time after
the operation, Zlata often rubbed her eyes with her hanky wondering what
happened to her vision, and sometimes she felt lost and cried…
She had now adapted to her condition, but we need to continue her therapy.
Most of the tumor remains intact and we need to continue fighting with it.
Most importantly, according to the ophthalmologists, once the main illness is
defeated, they could start working on recovering Zlata's vision.
By now there are a lot of experience, modern methods and positive dynamic in
treatment children with the same disease as our daughter's at the clinics
abroad.
We received invitation for treatment at Suraski clinic in Tel-Aviv in Israel,
where Zlata is planned to undergo full examination, another histology testing
and then further treatment will be determined based on the test results.
The clinic billed us $100,000 for the treatment and testing. We also need the
money for air flights, lodging and food.
We are a regular St. Petersburg family, where only husband works. I as a mom
have to stay with my daughter all the time. We cannot pay for this expensive
treatment on our own, so we would like to ask for financial support with
Zlata's treatment abroad. We are sincerely hoping for you understanding and
support. Please help us save Zlata!
Respectfully,
Alexandra and Afanasy Chernoknizhny.
Home address:
192212, St. Petersburg,
ul. Budapeshtskaya d.35, korp.1, kv.9.
Contact phones:
+7 (911) 217-79-83 (Alexandra)
+7 (904) 644-53-68 (Afanasy)
Update as of September 25, 2008.
We received invitation from Suraski clinic in Tel-Aviv. They are now
planning a full examination, another histology testing and determination
of further treatment based on the test results.
We would like to ask our supporters to send part of the donations to
Zlata's mom's savings account in Bank St. Petersburg, so that we could
use the money to pay for tickets and lodging.
Alexandra Chernoknizhny,
Zlata's mom
Update as of October 12, 2008.
Zlata and her mom need to go to a clinic in Israel for examination.
The MRI scan is scheduled for October 27th. After the testing, the clinic
will prepare a detailed bill for the treatment. As of now, Zlata only has
300,000 rubles, which can cover the tickets and examination. However,
she still needs to raise money for the treatment.
Update as of October 21, 2008.
On October 20th Zlata and her parents flew out to Suraski hospital for
testing. Based on the test results, a new price offer will be received
from the clinic. As soon as Zlata's parents get access to Internet, they
will update their page with the donations that came to Zlata's mom's account.
We are sincerely grateful to the newspapers AiF-St. Petersburg and Moi Raion,
St. Petersburg's business web portal and NTV for reporting about this
fundraising.
Update as of November 13, 2008.
We had made most of the planned visits to the specialists.
Zlata underwent 3D MRI and at the same time the doctor's opinion was forwarded
to Medulloblastoma center, a clinic in Wurzburg, Germany. The opinions of
Professor Constantini from Suraski hospital and Professor Rutkovski from
Wurzburg were the same: since January 2008 it was not the tumor, but a cyst
that was growing. The worsening of Zlata's condition was due to the pressure
of the liquid inside the cyst.
The operation as it was performed was unnecessary. What Zlata needed was
drainage, which would allow the fluid to drain from the cyst. It is possible
that the quality of MRI performed in Russia was not good enough to see the
real picture. Therefore, a second operation is currently not discussed, as
additional interference in the area near pituitary gland could lead to a
new array of difficult to manage issues, related this time not to vision,
but to Zlata's development. The radiation therapy is not possible also.
Zlata is still too little; the safe age for irradiation of the zone near
pituitary gland is 12 years.
Therefore, for now the following therapy protocol was offered: if cyst begins
to grow again, drainage system should be installed. However, if Zlata's
tumor resumes growth, more precise operation needs to be performed, on which
we were told we can count at Suraski hospital. Currently Zlata is undergoing
a series of vision examinations and consultations, as well as the test of
the optical nerves' remaining connectivity. The results of the tests will
allow answering the question whether Zlata's vision can be restored.
Simultaneously, consultations with the specialists in the US are being
conducted.
We found an opportunity to move from a hotel to a rental apartment, which is
half the price.
We are enormously grateful to everyone who has not stayed away and helped Zlata
receive all the testing. Her life depended on it. We continue to hope and
believe that we can return vision to our daughter. We would like to thank
everyone who is with us now.
With respect and gratitude,
Chernoknizhny family
Update as of November 25, 2008
We are continuing testing by ophthalmologists. The examination of the optical
nerve showed that the impulse does not go through. Whether it is due to
insufficient blood supply in this area (due to pressure from the tumor), or
cell shock, or neural ischemia that occurred during operation, is not clear yet.
Further treatment will depend on determining the right cause.
For now, Zlata's case is under review with the neuro-ophthalmologists from Israel
and USA and they have not yet reached a conclusion.
We understand that many people are waiting for the news from us, but for now we
are able neither make our supporters happy nor sad. We are continuing testing.
Many thanks to those who are helping us.
Zlata Chernoknizhnaya's parents
Update as of December 12, 2008
We completed all the ophthalmologic testing. The examination of the
optical nerve showed that the impulse does not pass. This may be due
to insufficient blood supply and it needs to be stimulated. It may also
have been caused by a cell shock according to the neurosurgeon that
performed the operation. Zlata is being diagnosed with optic nerve
atrophy and there are many methods for treating it, but all of them
cannot be applied if the rest of the tumor remains. Zlata's tumor
cannot be completely removed, however. But we are not holding our arms
and continuing to look for the methods that can help Zlata whether in
Russia or abroad. In spring we will need to return to Israel for
examination and another consultation with professor Constantini. Hopefully,
there nothing out of the ordinary will happen until then. Ideally, we would
like to live the next five years this way so that afterwards Zlata could
undergo radiation therapy safely. As of today the situation is such that
we will have to live with Zlata's time bomb in her head. We do not know
for how long. We will live from a checkup to a checkup. We pray to God
that He will let Zlata get to safe age for radiation therapy. During this
time, Zlata could also get used to normal life that does not involve constant
therapy, develop necessary skills and abilities. This is the ideal scenario.
Zlata really grew during our stay in Israel. She matured. At times she reasons
like an adult. Everyone says she is developed beyond her age. She is interested
in everything. She reacts to kids with particular interest. When she hears them
nearby she has to note their presence and she tries to imagine
"What are the kids doing?" I tell her everything in much detail
and she gets very happy as if she is the one doing it. She really wants to
play with kids and even asks us to take her to daycare! She has never been
to a nursery or daycare, just heard about them from us, her parents,
but the idea that there are "little kids" with whom she can play
TOGETHER is really attractive to her. Zlata is feeling well now. We are
very hopeful that she will be stable for as long as possible.
We are enormously grateful to everyone! Once again we want to thank you
for your help, your worry, and your care for our child and our family.
None of this would have been possible without your help. God bless you
with great health, happiness and luck! Hope all your wishes come true
in the New Year!
Respectfully, Alexandra, Zlata's mom,
and all Chernoknizhny family
Update as of January 19, 2009
Zlata's condition worsened. The MRI scan showed new cysts and increase
in tumor size. The girl was urgently installed a shunt. At present, a
possibility of chemotherapy for Zlata (until she reaches 3 years of age)
at one of the clinics in Germany is under discussion. Afterwards, she will
be able to undergo radiation therapy. At this time, the consultations are
underway. Once we receive a bill from the clinic, we will publish it on
our site. Zlata still has close to $22,000 from the previous fundraising effort.
Update as of March 27, 2009
Last week we had an MRI scan. It showed that Zlata's head is a lot
better. There is a lot less water on the brain, the ventricles are
gradually acquiring a normal form. And most importantly, the lesion
itself has not increased and it has a clear form again, which testifies
to the fact that it is not too malignant. Upon consultations with the
neurosurgeon we decided to wait and watch the child and then have another
examination in 2 or 3 months.
Zlata is feeling fine. She got used to the shunt. She runs, jumps, loves
to squeal and to dance. She became very reasonable and at the same time
funny. I'm always after her with a notebook because what she says needs
to be written down. I hope I will find the time to post the most interesting
things in my diary. Zlata is having a very active life now. She spends a
lot of the time with a remarkable dog called Dingo (a golden retriever)
who never barks and lets her do whatever she wants to do with it: touch
its ears, eyes and mouth, hug its neck and pull at its tail. Zlata loves
to treat the dog with cheese and walk after it having gripped its fur.
Right after she got to know Dingo Zlata asked us to buy her a small dog.
We are now thinking it over. But that is not all. Zlata got to know a horse
owned by a wonderful family who often invite us for a visit. Zlata loves
feeding carrots to the horse and petting it. Of course she now wants to
have a little horse!
But the most important thing is, Zlata now has her first friend. It is a
little girl named Varya. She is a little younger than Zlata but they
get along perfectly. Zlata is proudly telling everyone that she has a
girlfriend names Varya.
She's never has such an interesting life before.
Aleksandra, Zlata's mother
Update as of June 3, 2009
Zlata's condition has not changed. Maybe slightly for the better, as
she is now more active and can endure more. We can walk without the
stroller! We go to the playgrounds, go up the stairs and even
slide down.
Zlata also likes to play with clay, recite children's poems, tell the
fairytales, count to ten and sing. Generally, she is in a good mood.
We went to another disability committee where Zlata was recommended to
visit a specialized daycare for children with visual impairments. Not
for the full day, but only for a few hours in the morning so that Zlata
could develop social skills, start learning reading in Braille and began
accumulating other knowledge systematically.
After learning that she will probably start daycare, Zlata got very excited.
She started asking me to take her there as soon as possible. "Mom!
Take me to the school! Soon! Please!"
We brought our application there and I asked for a permission to visit
a room. It was during a naptime, so the kids were sleeping at the bedroom,
and were allowed to go in. We started looking around. Zlata's exhilaration
cannot be accurately described. There was a pool filled with balls,
play houses, swings, children's furniture and many other things. Zlata was
particularly impressed by the bathroom, a sink (you can turn on the
water by yourself!) and so on. Everything was Zlata's height. She never
imagined that there could be so many things made just for children.
The school is truly very good. It has medical offices and lots of
specialized equipment, music lessons and a speech therapist on site.
Of all the specialized daycares for children with impairments, this one
(on Marata street) is considered the most equipped and up-to-date. It
was difficult to take Zlata out of the school. She cried when we were
leaving. It is such a joy, however, to cry over little things like
this.
Soon we received results of Regional Education committee. The school will
accept Zlata. The most important thing is for Zlata to stay healthy.
She is scheduled to undergo MRI in June.
And for now Zlata is waiting for her birthday! "Soon my birthday
will come, and I will turn three! And I will receive gifts!"
Of course, you will!
Respectfully,
Alexandra, Zlata's mother
Update as of July 12, 2009
In June Zlata underwent MRI that showed that her tumor has not grown and
stayed the same. Therefore, based on foreign specialists' advice, we will
not start chemotherapy or radiation therapy. While tumor is not progressing,
it makes no sense to poison our daughter pointlessly because chemotherapy
that Zlata received earlier has not shrank her tumor by even a millimeter.
However, after chemotherapy cysts began appearing inside the tumor, filling
up quickly with liquid and pressing on everything inside her head. A neurosurgeon
reviewed Zlata's images and noted increase of cyst component, which is limited
to the tumor borders and does not extend outside. In similar cases, drainage of
a cyst is commonly installed that does not involved skull trepanation. Using
special equipment, drainage system is inserted into the tumor (like a tube)
and liquid is pumped out of the cyst. This is much less traumatic than a surgery,
but this equipment is not available in Russia, and we were recommended to undergo
this procedure abroad, if it becomes necessary.
This is a worst case scenario, however. For now it is not necessary because
Zlata's condition is good. She is active and mobile, and, fortunately, there
are no direct indications for this procedure as of today.
We now have to carefully watch Zlata's condition and in case of any doubt,
urgently take Zlata for MRI. Her planned MRI is scheduled for September.
Respectfully,
Alexandra, Zlata's mother
Update as of October 15, 2009.
On Friday, Zlata's port will be removed. It is now too small for her.
Two weeks after the port removal, Zlata will got for MRI scan.
Update as of December 8, 2010.
Hello everyone who remembers us, cares for us and those who are visiting
this page for the first time!
Unfortunately, the happy times that lasted almost two years, were over in
September. MRI results took us back 4 years when we first
found out that our daughter has a tumor. It grew again as if it
was never treated. It is now the size
of a chicken egg and it needs to be removed urgently, before vitally important brain
centers are affected. Based on neurosurgeon's words, since all the tumor volume will
be very difficult to remove from the frontal lobe, an additional
incision will be required from another side. A break between the
interventions will last only 10 days - 3 weeks.
We pray to God that our little girls's heart, which is only
the size of her fist, will withstand it.
This is her only chance to live. No medications will be able to
get rid of this mass. And focused radiation can be performed only
when tumor is less that 3 cm, and not the size that
Zlata has...
Then we will most likely will need to go for gamma-knife surgery. Unfortunately, such
young patients are not accepted for gamma-knife in St. Petersburg. The equipment is
available, but experience is lacking. We will work on finding a
clinic where radiation can be performed.
We are now at Regional Children's Clinical hospital on Komsomol street
again. Zlata had all the tests necessary for the first surgery that
was scheduled for this Friday, December 10th.
Zlata, of course, does not know what is coming. With no worries, she plays,
listens to fairy tales, builds houses from blocks and makes necklaces
out of beads... and keeps asking when will we go back to her school
and music lessons. We started taking her to music classes and she loves listening
to piano and violin, she sings and her tutor says she was born for music.
Zlata is also learning Braille system and she is making good progress.
She can write letters with dots and dreams of starting to read...
Please pray for us and with us luck! We really need it.
Thank you for being with us.
Respectfully,
Alexandra
Update as of December 9, 2010.
Unfortunately, due to whooping cough quarantine, surgery was postponed
by 3-4 weeks. During this time, consultations regarding radiation
therapy in other clinics will take place.
Update as of December 18, 2010.
Dear friends, some time ago we decided to officially change our daughter's
name. Her name is now Nadezhda and she has a new birth certificate.
Some may find it odd, but in our situation we are ready to believe in
anything. The district administration reviewed our application and
agreed to name change. Thank you for being with us.
Respectfully,
Alexandra
Update as of February 12, 2011
Hello! Sorry for not writing for a long time. The time that we had
during quarantine was used very efficiently. We sent out many letters
to doctors in many cities and countries with request for
a consultation.
Neurosurgeons in different countries saw Nadia's last images and
read clinical summaries, and the majority of them said that they
do not recommend another surgery with skull opening, since tumor
location is so dangerous that such a surgery could lead to very
serious, possibly fatal, consequences. So we started looking for
other possible treatment methods. Nadia already had chemotherapy
and it did not help. For a regular radiation therapy, Nadia is too young.
And surgery is not recommended. We seemed to reach a dead-end.
We tried to get into proton radiation or carbon ion radiation therapy
that are new, less damaging treatment methods that allow radiation of
young children with such dangerous tumor localization as Nadia has.
However, these methods do not guarantee that the tumor will be gone.
Still, as our last chance, we were ready to take it.
And then, although it took a long search, many letters and two months
of sleepless nights, we got lucky. A surgery may still be possible
for Nadia. This is an endoscopic surgery (endonasal). This is the kind
of approach that will minimize the surgical trauma. The risk of
post-operative trauma (possibly even fatal, as I said earlier) was
the main basis for concerns and contraindications
for neurosurgeons.
Now we have a HOPE. A hope that much of the tumor can still be removed
surgically. And the removal will cause minimal trauma. The University
Hospital of Columbia and Cornell in New York is ready to take Nadia
for endoscopic surgery. We received a
bill for $192,000. This is a
huge amount, but this is the price of our daughter's life. We do not
know how much additional maintenance therapy may cost, because it
will be decided upon based on results of new histology testing,
but surgery is needed urgently. Nadia already started to complain
of constant pain in her eyes.
For us, certainly, it is a big chance to live, considering advanced
neurosurgery expertise at this clinic. But most importantly, the doctors
are ready to take Nadia for endoscopy with such a large tumor volume.
We will be invited in once we prepay the bill.
So we are asking everyone who can help us financially, to please do so!
If you can distribute information about Nadia - please forward it.
And possibly some of you may know contacts of organizations who can
offer support for children like Nadia.
Next week, on Friday, a TV show (Survival Course) in which we
participated will be broadcast on channel 100.
Respectfully,
Alexandra
Update as of March 9, 2011.
Dear donors, all information about funds raised for Nadezhda's
treatment is available here
and is being continually updated.
Update as of March 30, 2011.
Dear friends! In total, we received over 500 letters expressing
support and offers to help, as well as several tens of thousands
of money transfers, from modest amounts of 50 dollars to significant sums.
Overall, after the news broadcasts of our video, we received close to 6.5
million rubles.
Unfortunately, we are unable to report all the money transfers at this
time, as there was an intense call volume after our story was shown on
Channel 1. We received over a thousand calls daily, hundreds of letters,
and we weren't able to respond to everyone yet.
Keeping track of donations and reporting them on our site also take a
long time, but we will certainly do it upon our return. We only had a
few days to get all the documents required for travel.
We are enormously grateful to everyone who responded. Thank you very
much! The money raised was already transferred to the clinic and
it will allow paying not only for surgery but also for the full
treatment course: chemotherapy and possibly radiation.
We also plan to consult with specialists regarding partial
vision restoration.
Alexandra and Afanasy Chernoknizhny
Update as of April 4, 2011.
Nadya and her parents flew to the US on March 31. Nadya is already
in Baltimore where she is undergoing tests.
Update as of April 10, 2011.
Dear friends! We are very grateful to everyone who expressed their
concern for Nadyusha's health.
Our flight went well and the representatives of Aeroflot and Russian
Embassy in the US met us at the airport. We are now at the hospital
and had several consultations. As we were told, now we need to see
what the opinion of oncologist specializing in neuro-ophthalomology is
because Nadyusha responds to light, squints and closes her eyes, and
the therapy will be adjusted based on possible vision recovery.
After the consultation and a meeting of an oncologist, neurosurgeon,
radiologist and neuro-ophthalmologist, treatment protocol will be decided
upon. A combination of surgical intervention, radiology and chemotherapy
is being discussed (there are eight chemotherapy protocols for our glioma type).
We live at the hotel by the hospital that has a kitchen and means to stay
there long-term. The hospital is huge and occupies 38 buildings. There is
even a subway station inside.
We are enormously grateful to everyone who helped Nadyusha come here
and undergo latest treatment! Thank you very much!
We will keep you informed throughout the treatment.
Alexandra, Nadya's mom
Hello! After numerous consultations with the specialists,
many tests and MRI study, another doctors' council was called.
The opinion of oncologist-neuro-ophthalmologist was decisive:
during his exam, he detected that Nadya has a slight reaction to light.
Due to that finding, there is a small but still a hope for at least
some vision recovery.
Therefore, it was decided to switch the order of surgery and chemotherapy.
The visual nerves are now completely enveloped by the tumor and they are
hardly seen in the mass, and a surgery could damage them even more.
A decision to administer chemotherapy prior to surgery is dictated
first of all by a hope for restoration of vision. With chemotherapy,
the goal is to reduce compression on optic nerves to make them
more patent. That will allow surgery, possibly with neuro-ophthalmologist's
involvement.
The council also reviewed possibility of photon or proton radiation
that are most effective methods of glioma therapy, however, radiation
could cause serious damage to a small child's development, and it was
decided to reserve this option for now.
We were offered 8 different chemotherapy protocols. Except for one that
Nadya underwent in Russia and includes Carboplatin - it caused severe
allergic reaction in Nadya at the time. As we were explained, further
use of this drug (even with anti-allergic drugs) does not make sense,
because if a drug causes allergy, it means it does not have a
therapeutic effect either.
All these 8 protocols were developed to treat glioma of optic chiasm.
It was decided to start with the newest protocol that was also specifically
developed for this type of tumor. It is the latest protocol and
is available only in the US. Control MRIs will be done every 3 months
(and the first MRI after starting chemotherapy will be done in a month),
and Nadya will also have her blood tested for certain markers regularly
to evaluate effect of treatment. In addition, Nadya will have visits
from nutritionist and other specialists who will help her tolerate
chemotherapy. In her five years of age, Nadya weighs only 12.5 kg.
Her curls and loose clothing make her look a bit bigger, but without
them she looks malnourished: her pants fall off of her and to keep
the clothes on, we have to adjust them.
Overall, Nadya is doing great. Everyone notices her positive outlook
and happiness. This Russian girl who went through so much in her life,
amazes Americans with her patience and readiness to accept life as it
is while remaining a very open, kind and joyous person. God help her!
God help us...
Once again, we would like to say: Thank you very much! To everyone who
helped and supported us! Thank you, dear friends, people we know and
those we never met! Thank you for your donations, for help, support
and prayers! We received all of them and are enormously grateful to
each and all of you!
Alexandra, Nadya's mom
Update as of May 29, 2011.
Hello! Since the end of April to the end of May Nadya was on chemotherapy.
And last week she had MRI that showed that during the month of chemotherapy,
the tumor did not shrink, but also did not grow. This is most important.
So it was decided to proceed with the same protocol for now.
Of course, we should not have expected an extraordinary result after
just a month of therapy, and lack of progression is also good news.
We are watching Nadya's general condition closely. All the food she
takes is according to the established calorie intake. I go to the
store with a list and calculate the right amount of proteins,
fats and carbs. The dietologist also recommended extra protein
intake for Nadya. With everyone's efforts, Nadya
already weighs 14.5 kg!
We are now continuing chemotherapy. The next MRI is scheduled for August.
Overall, all is well. It is hot now and due to humidity it is hard
to breathe. The A/C is working at full power, or it would have
been impossible to tolerate it. This caused some negative effects -
Nadya got a cold. For the last few days she had fever and a runny nose.
Since she is on chemotherapy, she can only take medications approved
by her doctor. They are very carefully watching patients here and
try to eliminate all risks and watch all symptoms. For now, Nadya
is receiving standard therapy, but if by early next week
nothing changes, she may be started on antibiotics.
Hopefully, we will avoid that.
Alexandra, Nadya's mom
Update as of September 7, 2011.
Hello! This week Nadya underwent MRI that showed the tumor is stable,
and it also started developing necrotic lesions. In other words, medication
that Nadya takes is working and tumor is responding to it and slowly dying.
For now, the percentage of necrotic cells is small but the most important thing
is that Nadya is responding. The study results were discussed at a group meeting
and the doctors agreed that therapy should be continued. Again, there is much
pressure on the shunt that Nadya has in her head as it should take out tumor
breakdown products and we need to watch it carefully to make sure it does not
get clogged. But hope that tumor continues responding to chemotherapy, and we
will monitor the shunt condition.
We are very grateful to all the people who supported us at such a difficult
time and continue caring for Nadya's life.
Update as of November 29, 2011.
Hello! MRI study that Nadya had last Monday showed that the number of cells
inside the tumor that are not accumulating contrast agent, in other words,
dead cells, is increasing significantly. The doctors are happy with the
treatment and they decided to continue chosen chemotherapy.
At times, Nadya's eyes hurt, but doctors believe that it is due to chemotherapy.
An orthopedic specialist prescribed Nadya special orthopedic braces for her legs
that help her walk. Nadya is now having an active growth period, but she
is skinny and does not move much, and her muscles are not growing in the
volume needed. So Nadya's legs are now not straight and she has some walk
issues. She is in a good mood. She loves visitors and new friends who can
play with her or just talk. Nadya does a lot of crafts: plays with clay,
glues pictures, draws shapes and makes bracelets and necklaces. She often
asks me to turn on Carousel channel on the computer and loves remembering
her favorite shows and cartoons. She loves listening to music and fairy
tales. So this is our news to date. Hopefully, the medication will
continue working. We are continuing treatment.
The next MRI is planned in 3 months.
Respectfully,
Alexandra, Nadya's mom
Update as of January 1, 2012.
Based on last test results, close to 50% of her brain tumor disintegrated!
The tumor is responding well to chemotherapy. Hopefully, it will continue
like this. What is happening now is nothing short of a miracle. Nadía got
real chances to live, and we got the happiest news parents could have.
Nadya's parents
