As soon as Vadik was born, doctors saw that his right outer ear was missing. As the examination showed, the right side auditory canal was not developed. My son could hear well with his left ear. The best Russian specialists examined Vadik. Independently they reached the same conclusion that the only possible solution was cochlear implantation. They recommended having an auricle reconstructive surgery after the age of nine, when the son’s cartilage tissue will be formed and it will be possible to use ribs cartilage as an implant. The surgeries are painful and are carried out in several stages. The toddler’s speech is underdeveloped, he speaks incorrectly, and children do not make friends with him. Recently we have been able to consult American specialists who came to Moscow for a conference. Judging by the results of the examination, the doctors said that Vadik had a good chance of full hearing recovery. The US clinic is ready to perform a surgery – to form an auditory canal and an auricle from artificial material. However, we cannot afford to pay the hospital bill. Please, help us!

Olga Mazepa, Moscow region.

California Ear Institute Otolaryngologist Joseph Roberson, M.D. (Palo Alto, California, USA): “We are ready to operate on the boy; as a result of the surgery his hearing will be fully restored.”

Vadim's treatment will cost $85,000. We are happy to report that the Rusfond children's charity in Moscow has raised the entire amount needed. However, an additional $9,750 is required for him and his parents' flights, accommodations, food, local transportation, and other associated expenses for the duration of their stay in the USA.

If you want to help Vadim please don't let the cost stop you. Your donation in any amount will be gratefully accepted. You can contribute to Russian American Children's Foundation using a Credit Card, PayPal, or by sending a check made payable to RACF and mailing it to Russian American Children's Foundation, 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 300, New York, NY 10170. Thank you! All donations in excess of what is needed for Vadim will help other children in need of ear surgery. RACF USA

01/30/2018

All the funds necessary for Vadik's care have been raised. Vadik successfully underwent surgery at the Califorina Ear Institute (Palo Alto, California, USA).

Doctors created an ear canal and an outer ear from artificial material for the boy. His hearing was restored, now Vadik will develop normally. Olga, Vadik's mother, thanks the viewers of Channel One and Rusfond for their help.

01/31/2018
Olga, mother of Vadik Mazepa:
"Today, thanks to you, doctors in California restored our child's hearing and formed an ear! We are immensely grateful to Rusfond and RACF! The operation was successful, the rehabilitation period is ahead, and we will try to make it go without complications. There are not enough words and emotions to express our gratitude, nothing would have happened if it were not for your project."

Olga, Vadik Mazepa’s mother: 
“Thank you very much, Rusfond, for helping our son. Our whole family just could not believe that miracles happen and dreams come true. Vadik will be able to hear! Properly! We are infinitely grateful to all the people who care, who make their contribution to a proper and happy childhood for thousands of care recipients of Rusfond.”