Two Year Old Dima has cholesteatoma, microtia and atresia of the right ear canal. Requires surgical treatment.
My son has a congenital pathology: he has almost no outer ear on his right side and his right ear canal is underdeveloped. On his third day of life, doctors conducted an audio test and found that he had hearing in his left ear. They recommended he be observed by an audiologist. Dima grew, developed normally for his age, began to make sounds, then began to say his first words. At nine months of age, a red spot appeared on his earlobe. We went to the Children's Hospital in Ufa to have him examined. Doctors diagnosed Dima with otitis (a middle ear infection) and attributed the red spot to allergies. We treated the otitis for a long time, but Dima’s hearing became worse and worse. From the internet, I learned that a famous American otolaryngologist, Dr. Roberson, periodically comes to Moscow. I went to him for advice. The doctor immediately noticed the red spot and suggested that it was a cholesteatoma (a tumor formation). Further examination confirmed his diagnosis. Dr. Roberson says that the tumor must be removed and the outer ear reconstructed. But the operation is very expensive, we are just not able to raise such a large sum of money. Our family income is 24 thousand rubles per month ($400). Please help us!
Alena Kaplin,
Bashkortostan.
California Ear Institute Otolaryngologist Joseph Roberson, M.D. (Palo Alto, USA): "Cholesteatoma affects healthy cells, surgery is urgently needed to remove it. At the same time, we will reconstruct the ear canal and the earlobe. The boy will be able to hear and speak."
The cost of Dima's treatment is $82,300. We are happy to report that Rusfond in Moscow has raised the entire amount needed. Dima is expected at the hospital in May. However, an additional $8,750 may be required for his 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 Dima 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, Apple Pay, 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 Dima will help other children in need of ear surgery.
Dima Kaplin successfully underwent surgery at the California Ear Institute in Palo Alto, California. An operation was performed to remove the tumor formation, restore hearing, and reconstruct the auricle. The operation lasted nine hours. Dima feels well and is recovering from surgery.
Alena and Evgeny, Dima's parents, thank everyone for their help.
05/20/2017Alena, mother of Dima Kaplin: "Dima feels well and is recovering from his operation. He is happy, says he has finally found his ear. Thank you for being here for us! I write with tears in my eyes. We ourselves would not have been able to raise such a large amount, and there was little time left, to save my child's life. May God grant you health and prosperity! May Rusfond develop and continue to help children in need! And to all the donors who helped my son and all the other children – we salute you. To your health! Together – we are a force! I am sending you photos of Dima after the operation."