Oksana

A Young Ukrainian Girl Has Heart Surgery,

 Thanks to Medical Mercy Canada

Oksana Oliynyk, now twelve years old, touched the hearts of many when she came to Alberta in 2002 for life-saving heart surgery through the efforts of Kathy Shuttleworth, a volunteer with Medical Mercy Canada. Oksana returned home with a new lease on life, a happy, healthy and vibrant little girl.

Unfortunately, Medical Mercy had to bring Oksana and her mother, Natalia, back to Canada since she had suffered severe complications following routine dental work in Ukraine. She arrived in Calgary in June 2004 as a very ill little girl.

Dr. Giuffre, pediatric cardiologist at Alberta Children’s Hospital, who had previously cared for Oksana, has guided her care, administered Canadian quality medications and she rested and had her strength restored. She underwent more face life-saving surgery by Dr Rebeyka, pediatric heart surgeon, at Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton.  Three heart valves and a pacemaker were replaced. Oksana made a full recovery and returned to Ukraine on January 5th. Medical Mercy will work to prevent future complications after her return to Ukraine later this year.

Oksana had been a bit homesick and longed for her father and little brother Vitaly but was happy to be where she received much needed care.  “Since I’ve come here, I’m already feeling much better” she had said “I have every hope I’m going to go home very healthy. Doctors look after children here very well compared to Ukraine”.

Dr. Giuffre, Dr. Rebeyka and others in the health professions again very generously donated their time and services. Several families in Calgary and Edmonton provided transportation, accommodations and incidentals at no cost.

Medical Mercy initiated a successful campaign to raise funds to cover other costs such as hospital stays, operating room charges, medicines and related expenses so that Oksana’s care was not a burden on the Canadian health care system. She has had broad and very generous support in Alberta and also received donations from Michigan to Texas and British Columbia to Quebec. We  deeply appreciate the support of these generous donors. As before, additional funds beyond the original target are still required to provide continued monitoring and examinations, extended care needs and Oksana’s future health and well being.

We invite you to contribute to Oksana’s well being by making a donation by cheque to OKSANA FUND c/o Medical Mercy Canada Society, Banker’s Hall P.O. Box 22151, Calgary, AB Canada T2P 4J5 or by Visa by calling (403) 251-1300 or through the Canada-Helps links on our website.