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When Alina Zalygina was two years old, a cigarette accident in her home caused a house fire, leaving her severely burned. As a direct result of this accident coming to the attention of Hope Now supporter Dr. Peter Johnston, Hope Now donated a state-of-the-art Burn Unit to the Cherkassy Regional Hospital.
Subsequently, when the child’s mother lost her parental rights, Alina came into the Hope Now foster care program. Alina is now in her fourth form at school, where her studies are improving, especially in English. She loves to sing with her sister Anya at all the school celebrations.
Recently, Alina was the subject of a T.V. documentary which has been televised numerous times. Sadly, this has left an unsettling effect upon the child. Natasha, Alina’s foster mother, took her to the Kyiv Institute to see what could be done about the extensive scarring on her face and body. The experts there said that something can be done, but it will mean that Alina must wear special devices for two months. She will need five of these devices for her face and hands but will not attempt anything for the legs and torso yet. If the devices are installed, it will mean going to Kyiv every week for hydro therapy treatment. Hope Now is seeking to cover the $6,500 cost of this and the private school lessons Alina will need for at least one semester.
Meanwhile, foster care parents Natasha and Vitaliy have been trying to improve their home for the several children in their care, against a backdrop of constant inspections due to an anonymous letter from a hostile neighbor. The children are well cared for, but all need our prayers with this added intrusion into their normal lives.
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