The Children

The clinic has 20 children (3 are at the hospital in Barlad for two-week long evaluations--Gabby, Daniela, & Andreaa). More of the children seem to be mentally and physically challenged than when I was here in December 2007. Raul is an eight-month old baby who lives in the isolation room because he suffers from the disease that causes his skin to blister and fall off (sort of like a burn victim). He is in a lot of pain when his dressings are changed. I visited him for the first time yesterday because I heard him crying. I had to put on a new mask and a pair of gloves to prevent infection. His face lit up when I leaned over his crib and talked to him. He grabbed my finger and wouldn't let go. :) I will post pictures of him soon.

Paula displays the signs of autism. She is left alone most of the time.
Samantha & one of the twins (Andreaa & Roxana)
Caroline & Alina
Alina is missing a kidney and appears to have a form of dwarfism. She is 2 1/2 years 0ld, but is so tiny!

Chelsey & Maria Cleopatra

Maria is 2 years old and has hydrocephalus. Her head is very heavy, so it is difficult to pick her up. She loves to be held and will smile when someone whistles or talks to her. :)

Roxana is a Gypsy baby. She is a happy, chubby 9-month old. It is hard to believe she arrived at the clinic several months ago for issues related to malnutrition!

Ginny & Nicoleta

Nicoleta weighed only 1 lb. and a few ounces when she was born. She is now 6 months old and the size of a newborn.

Emily & Daria

Daria has one more surgery to fix her cleft palate, then she will return home to her parents. :)

Andreaa loves lip gloss! :) She was taken to the hospital in Barlad on Monday for a routine two-week long evaluation.

Lea-Celine is sitting in an aide's lap and Daniela is in the pink pants.

Michelle & one of the twins (Andreaa & Roxana)

Maggie & Ionut

Ionut has severe brain damage from birth. He is 3 years old, but does not walk, talk, or sit up on his own. He suffers from frequent high fevers and continually grinds his teeth.

Sharon & Cristi

Cristi is a 3 1/2 year old boy with Down Syndrome. He loves to carry on conversations with Mickey Mouse. :)

Alexandra is a 7 1/2 year old girl with brittle bone disease and dwarfism. She does not speak, but she enjoys having someone read to her.

Ashley & Petre

Petre has chronic respiratory problems. He has a family who plans to take him home once he gets better. :)

Lily & Mihaela

Mihaela has a twin (Gabby) who is at the hospital for an evaluation.

Anna & Ion

Ion has had heart surgery, but he still loves to run and play. :)