WINTER NEWSLETTER 2003/2004

We have tried to give as much news in as small a space as possible! Teresa, who suffers from lupus syndrome and osteoporosis, has had two hip operations and is still in hospital "so full of pain and suffering". Jan Francis, one of our trustees, returned at the end of February 2004 from a week of visiting our families. She reports that, while Teresa was given antibiotics and an anaesthetic for her latest operation, she had no pain killers as she could not afford to pay for them. Victor, Cristina’s father and our new secretary, is making contact with our families who do not have access to email, such as Carmen, Cristina and Costel. Adrian, who won an illustrator’s award in the USA, will be sending us one of his paintings to help us with fundraising. We are waiting to see the children’s book he has illustrated. He has been painting the window panes in the Malteza Day Centre for special needs children in Cluj. He and Gabi, their physiotherapist, have trained in circus activities and are looking for juggling balls and Chinese plates, so that they can train the children! Adrian’s son Vlad, who has spina bifida, had his head shunt successfully replaced in Berlin. Adrian writes: "I assure you of all my gratitude and my readiness to help in my turn on any occasion, whenever and whatever is needed." Adrian represented us recently on a training course on alternative therapy in Iasi. Marian after his operation is learning to walk for the first time in his life, uses his supports every day and can stand unaided. Our friends from the Magic Theatre ask if there is a sponsor to help add to their savings for a minibus to transport their puppets and other resources bringing laughter to disadvantaged people of all ages. Iacob (Bucharest) has multiple sclerosis and is looking for a light-weight wheelchair which can be loaded into his car and so help him keep his job. The donated double baby buggy which Susan Chislett of Alitalia had flown to Bucharest has been really appreciated by Melania and Sorin who use it for their new baby son Eric and his elder brother David who has cri du chat syndrome. Having a baby brother has really helped to stimulate David, who is still very partial to Bisto, which helps his food to go down…