$0.00 raised ~ goal of: $48,000.00

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***3RD EMERGENCY MEDICAL CAMPAIGN FOR ANGELINA PETROSIAN***

In 2022, SOAR held an emergency campaign for Angelina Petrosian's life altering selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) procedure. SDR is a neurosurgical procedure that selectively destroys problematic nerve roots in the spinal cord to allow patients that suffered brain hypoxia during childbirth and cannot walk on their own, such as Angelina, to walk independently.

In 2023, the family learned that Angelina needed a second surgery. Because Angelina's legs were spastic until the age of 7, her left leg developed poorly, so Angelina developed asymmetry of the legs.

 This problem worsened after the SDR operation, which prevents Angelina from standing on her own. 

The operation is called SPML and was performed on September 12,2023, in Summit, New Jersey, by Dr. Roy M. Nuzzo, the creator of this method. The selective percutaneous myofascial lengthening (SPML) surgical procedure is a minimally invasive method designed to improve ambulation by lengthening contracted musculoskeletal tissues.

SOAR held a 2nd campaign for Angelina raising all the funds needed for her to have her operation and paid for the accommodations for the family in St Louis.

 The family has learned that a third operation is necessary! The cost for the surgery and rehabilitation is $48,000.

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Currently, she can walk short distances unassisted using stable ankle orthoses. She exhibits a crouching gait and bilateral spastic valgus flatfoot. Clinical examination reveals weakened calf muscles, likely due to previous interventions and inadequate rehabilitation. Mild supination stiffness is noted in the left upper limb. The surgical plan includes performing a Grice procedure on both sides to correct the valgus flatfoot. This will improve the support function of the feet, reduce the severity of the crouching gait, and increase independent walking ability. Postoperatively, Angelina will be able to attend school using an SMO orthosis and additionally wear ankle orthoses at home.

THE SURGERY INCLUDES: 

  • A team of surgeons led by pediatric surgeon Nikolaos Rigopoulos 
  • Anesthesiologist services
  • Surgical suite
  • Consumables
  • Surgical supplies
  • Two-day stay (double room)
  • Preoperative examinations (physician consultation, complete blood test, chest X-ray, cardiac check-up, two transfers from your accommodation* and back).
  • GMTP services include: organizational matters, translation of medical documents before and during your stay, and upon completion of treatment, interpreter services during medical consultations and examinations, assistance and translation in emergency situations at the clinic, etc.

THE REHABILITATION TREATMENT PROGRAM INCLUDES:

  1. 8-week (56 days) accommodation in a fully equipped apartment in a resort area (patient and accompanying person).
  2. Consultation with a rehabilitation specialist, orthopedist, and neurologist, as well as a cardiology check-up.
  3. An individualized treatment plan based on doctor recommendations.
  4. Individual sessions using classical and modern methods tailored to the patient's needs and capabilities.
  5. Consultations with physiotherapists and occupational therapists from the Anagennisi Rehabilitation Center.
  6. In-home consultations with physiotherapists specializing in modern rehabilitation methods, including the Bobath method, spinal curvature correction, motor function restoration, and proprioception development.

Sessions that may be included:

  • Physiotherapy: McKenzie, Mulligan Concept, PNF, therapeutic exercise, kinesiotaping, kinesitherapy, sensory integration method, Bobath, etc.
  • Occupational therapy using classical methods and modern equipment (Nirvana, interactive screen, etc.)
  • Hydrotherapy upon recommendation of an orthopedist
  • Individual home sessions (using modern techniques to improve gait patterns and muscle dynamics)
  • Psychological, neuropsychological, and cognitive counseling (additional fee).
  • Social adaptation, training in everyday life skills.
  • Use of modern rehabilitation systems and devices: Nirvana, Snoezelen, etc.
  • Transfer to and from the rehabilitation center.

 

GMTP Services:

  1. Assistance in selecting the best doctor and suitable clinic/rehabilitation center.
  2. Translation of medical documents before arrival, during your stay, and upon completion of treatment.
  3. Arranging doctor visits and medical examinations, such as MRI, CT scanning, blood tests, etc.
  4. Interpreter during medical consultations and classes.
  5. Assistance and translation in case of emergency at the clinic.
  6. Monitoring the medical services provided, coordinating the activities of doctors and specialists in various fields.
  7. Assistance in purchasing medications.
  8. Assistance in obtaining a visa.
  9. Airport pickup in Greece.
  10. Airport transfers.
  11. Assistance with airport formalities upon arrival, assistance with acclimation (supermarket, internet, SIM card, etc.)
  12. Arranging additional transfers and calling a taxi (additional transfers and taxis are not included in the program price).
  13. 24/7 assistance and phone consultation with any questions.

 Video of Dr. Nikolaos Rigopoulos explaining the surgery

 


 HELP US GIVE ANGELINA A BRIGHT FUTURE!

 

Thank you for your continued support of SOAR and our initiatives. Direct any inquiries you may have to gyacoubian@soar-us.org.

The Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief is the world's only charitable organization devoted exclusively to helping orphaned Armenian children. SOAR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and your donation is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Visit here to learn more about SOAR's distribution methods and quality control protocol.

 

 

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