2020 – Grigoriy Atamanenko
A LITTLE BOY FULL OF LOVE AND LAUGHTER – We would like you to meet Grigoryi, “Grisha”, a 7-year-old sweet soul from Ukraine. SpineHope can now introduce you to little Grisha because of the generosity of Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas (member of Ascension) for providing for his surgical procedures and hospitalization, and of NuVasive for being his sponsor and donating spinal implants, product and neuromonitoring services. There have been countless other amazing organizations and individuals who have donated their time and talent during this challenging time. We are grateful for their willingness to provide urgent life-saving treatment for this little boy who suffers from a severe craniocervical compression. THANK YOU!!!
Message from Valeriia, Grisha’s Mother: Grigoriy is a joy and our only child. His physical development has been slow where at 11 months he started holding his head and at 3 years old he started to walk, but he always struggled with his head and neck. Despite his issues he has always been very positive and likes to joke, play with friends and animals, swim and have fun. From the time of his birth, we noticed that his head was tilted to one side, but the doctors did not say anything much about it. At 3.5 years of age, an MRI of the entire spine showed progressive scoliosis as well as a possible dislocated vertebrae in his neck. His doctor said to not do anything unless it started to bother him. Due to a slight over a year ago, he could not hold or correct his head when his head tilted backwards. After seeing several doctors and completing a bunch of examinations, we were told that his condition was deteriorating. He started having excruciating pain and weakness in his left arm, hand, leg and foot. He used to run a bit, but now he walks only with the support of a hand and only for very short distances. He was originally a left-hander (he wrote, drew and ate with his left hand) and now he uses only his right hand. We visited the best doctors we could in Ukraine in search of advice or treatment. And only the International Neurosurgery Center offered additional consultations with American and Spanish specialists who work with them. And so, in October 2019, we were able to be examined by Dr. Matthew Geck and the SpineHope team when they visited Ukraine. We were told that only a complex surgery on the cervical spine could help Grigoriy and it needed to be performed in the United States. Plans were in place to travel to Austin, Texas this past May but, due to COVID-19, Grisha’s treatment was postponed. His condition has worsened over the last few months and we were fearful. But, due to the severity of his case, we were relieved to hear that the treatment and surgery was allowed to be rescheduled. Coming to Austin is an extraordinary opportunity for our son to get help and a great chance to improve his condition and quality of life.
Grisha has been evaluated by doctors in Austin, Texas and will receive 2 weeks of cervical traction followed by surgery in September at Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas and recovery at the Ronald McDonald House. We will keep you posted on his status. SpineHope is grateful to be able to help this child in critical need!
THANK YOU to the amazing team of volunteer individuals and organizations that made his treatment and surgery possible:
– NuVasive and Preston Petersen (CHILD SPONSOR and Implant/Product Donor)
– Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas (DCMC)/Ascension (Surgical care, PICU team, nursing staff, specialty services, testing/imaging, hospitalization and recovery services)
– Dr. Matthew Geck and team at Texas Spine and Scoliosis Center (Spine Surgeon)
– Dr. Sze Chun Winson Ho at DCMC (Neurosurgeon)
– Dr. Nick Lee and US Anesthesia Partners (Anesthesia Services)
– Wynn Gordy and NuVasive Spine Foundation (Neuromonitoring Services)
– Dr. Elena Ruiz at Bee Caves Pediatrics (Pediatrician)
– Jessy Faulkner at Thomas Law Firm (Immigration Attorney)
– Max Yekaterynenko (Translator)
– Ronald McDonald House Charities (Lodging)
– Kerbey Lane (Food Donation)