MEET NATALYA AND VOVA
Though our wonderful Veronique, we met her special sister Natalya! Natalya was already taking care of one biological child and three foster children who all had their own medical disorders. She loved these children so much that she decided she would like to take in an additional child with special needs. We just needed to find our next special child to help.
It was very soon after meeting Natalya, that we met Vova in the orphanage. Vova lived his first three years with his biological mother who loved him very much. Sadly, she passed away of cancer and without any other family able to take care of him, he was placed in an orphanage for children with disabilities. This little boy with the sweet and shy smile was very special and there was an almost instant love between Natalya and Vova. It was decided right then that Petrova’s Promise needed to support getting Vova into Natalya’s loving care.
Petrova’s Promise decided to have Natalya and her foster children move into the flat and to assist Natalya into getting guardianship of Vova, as well. Natalya and her family moved into the flat, but it took more than a year to obtain guardianship of Vovo and move him into our flat. This finally took place in September of 2020!
Eventually, Natalya and Petrova’s Promise decided it would be best for the children to live in an actual home that could be adapted to fit someone who uses a wheelchair. In addition, this would give the children a garden to play in and room for everyone. Natalya purchased her own home and Petrova’s Promise paid for all of the renovations to make it friendly for children with physical disabilities. The children are all so happy there now!
Vova, who was born in 2014, has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, developmental delay and mental disabilities. We were told that Vova would never speak or walk and would only be mobile using his wheelchair. However, under the loving care of Natalya, he is now speaking his name and is able to stand! With COVID restrictions lifting and travel to Russia opening up once again, Petrova’s Promise plans on bringing a medical group over to Moscow to evaluate him, as well as the other children, and come up with future medical recommendations so that he can reach his highest potential within the love of his family!
Vova is surrounded by four “siblings’ who all love him very much. Rudolph, Natalya’s biological son, was born in 2005 and has learning disabilities as well as depression. He is in need of a psychological consultation. Nadya was born in 2008 and is diagnosed with severe autism. She also has epilepsy and behavioral problems. She was unable to speak but is now saying a few words. Gleb was born in 2008 and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. He also has behavioral problems and is aggressive. Anya was born in 2011 and also has a severe form of autism and epilepsy. She also has behavioral problems.
09/2022 FAMILY UPDATES: After we purchased leg braces for Vova, he is now trying to walk by himself! He is doing so well!