Daria Tselikova

The birth of the long-awaited first child - a daughter named Dasha was overshadowed by the diagnosis delivered by the doctors: congenital aplasia (absence) of 2,3,4 fingers on the left hand. Thanks to the efforts of parents and regular exersice, Dasha is growing as a very advanced and sociable child. However, the girl matures and begins to understand that differs from other children. The search for treatment options has led parents to the Research Children's Orthopedic Institute of G.I.Turnera, in St. Petersburg, where, within the Department of Microsurgery, doctors successfully perform operations of finger transplantation on children from an early age to achieve a better transplantability and ensure proper functioning of the transplanted fingers. The stated amount for collection consists of two operations, during which two toes will be transplanted to the left hand, and of the subsequent phased corrections. With your help Dasha has a chance for a productive life.

Parents` letter (September 8, 2012)

Dear Chance Foundation,

On June 15, 2009 we learned great news, that I was pregnant. The whole pregnancy went without complications and, on 10 February 2010 I gave birth to our first child - daughter Daria. However, our happiness was overshadowed by the diagnosis delivered by the doctors: congenital aplasia (absence) of 2,3,4 fingers on the left hand. Our family was overwhelmed by the news, but owing to support of a loving husband and caring grandparents I realized that we need to be strong and do everything possible to make our Daria grew up into a healthy and vibrant child.

We try to do everything possible to prevent Dasha from feeling limited in any sense. We try to learn her to walk independently, to eat and drink from a cup, cycle  earlier than other kids — so she feels more confident later. We regularly do physical therapy, exercises for the development of fine motor skills: she draws with finger paints, sorts out large and small beads. Our daughter is growing into a smart, funny, social lady.

All is good, but my only daughter is beginning to realize that she differs from other children. And just recently, I noticed that when meeting with people she hides her hand. We suppose that someone asked or paid attention to her hand. Previously, me and dad were always there, and all unpleasant questions hurt only us, but now she also has to go through it.

Dear Chance Foundation, we are asking for your help. We went to a consultation at the Research Children's Orthopedic Institute of G. I. Turnera, in St. Petersburg, where, within the Department of Microsurgery, doctors successfully perform operations of finger transplantation on children from an early age to achieve a better transplantability and ensure proper functioning of the transplanted fingers. According to the head of the Department of Hand Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Safronov Andrey, we should not waste time and come and do the operation as soon as possible. Doctors at this Institute have extensive experience in conducting such operations, the latest technology and modern equipment. The surgery is complicated: six hours under anesthesia, two teams of doctors, successive, dozens of crosslinked muscles, blood vessels and capillaries. This is a real piece of work.

Surgery costs are a huge amount of money, which unfortunately we do not have.

Please do not refuse to help us. Give us a chance.

Thank you already very much for hope.

Sincerely,

Family Tselikovy