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Anastasiya
This lovely girl, now ten years old, was born in Uzbekistan. Ten days after her birth, doctors discovered a rupture in her spine and she underwent an operation. Unfortunately the operation was not successful and as a result she was partly paralyzed. This operation was only the beginning of her suffering; over the following months she struggled with a very high temperature and post-operation infections. From the age of one, she began to recover slowly.
After the dissolution of the USSR, Anastasiya�s family returned to Yaroslavl. She began treatment in the local children�s hospital, and doctors discovered serious problems with her kidneys. This year, Nastya�s right kidney will probably require an operation.
Nastya is now in her fourth year of school, but because of her physical inability she receives her education at home. Anastasiya lives in very constrained conditions; she, her mother and father occupy a stuffy room of thirteen square metres in a private hostel, with a shared kitchen and bath. A low family income and the high expenses of medical treatment have forced Nastya�s mother to find a job. So, in spite of the fact that the Nastya is unable to move without her wheelchair, she is forced to take care of herself during the day. Nastya�s favourite activity is attending the local social centre, where she meets new friends, receives additional education and is involved in diverse and exciting events.
Helpers at the centre have observed that Anastasiya is a very clever and kind child. Her illness doesn�t prevent her from being very inquisitive and sociable. She gets excellent marks, likes to read books, enjoys studying, and is eager to learn new things. She is also very diligent; doctors have told her that there is hope that one day she will walk, and she is constantly training herself. Nastya�s main achievement is six independent steps (with her mother�s assistance)!
Nastya looks in the future with great deal of optimism. She always says: �I�m sure that my life is not the worst on the Earth. There are children with which it is heavier, than me. Besides, I have a hope�.
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