Please Help 2 Year Old Arseni. He has hearing loss on his left side. He needs surgery to help him hear normally.

Arseni was born with asymmetry of the face and without his left ear canal. At the maternity hospital, doctors checked his hearing: the right ear hears normally, but the left was determined to have hearing loss of the third degree. We were particularly distressed that over time his hearing would get worse, because the bones in his skull would become thicker as he grew. No one even addressed his facial asymmetry. And as to the question of whether to open the ear canal and restore the ear, the doctors replied that if one ear hears, then restoring the second one is not necessary. But we learned from parents of children with similar problems that in America, Arseni could be helped. I contacted one of the clinics. We were told to undergo a medical exam. And there we learned that Arsenii has a tumor in his middle ear. It is dangerous because it may eventually start to grow and affect healthy tissue. This can lead to meningitis and facial nerve paresis. American doctors are willing to perform the surgery - to remove the tumor and restore hearing. Emotionally, we are prepared to take this step, but covering the expense of the surgery – beyond what we can do. We need your help!

Alena Tagirova, St. Petersburg

California Ear Institute Otolaryngologist Joseph Roberson, M.D. (Palo Alto, California, USA): "Arseni has no left auditory ear canal or pinna. It is also necessary to urgently remove a benign tumor in his middle ear. Then, we will restore his ear and his hearing."

The cost of Arseni’s treatment is $69,500. We are happy to report that Rusfond has raised the entire amount needed. Arseni is expected at the hospital in October. However, an additional $6,750 is required for him and his mother’s flights, accommodations, food, local transportation, and other associated expenses for the duration of their stay in the USA. If you want to help Arseni 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:

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 Arseni will help other children in need of ear surgery.

10/04/2016

All the funds necessary for Arseni's care have been raised.

Arseni successfully underwent ear surgery at the California Ear Institute in Palo Alto, California. During the operation, a benign tumor of the middle ear was also removed. Arseni will hear, grow, and develop just like other boys his age.