What We Do

Case Study – Sasha Prokopenko
Sasha, a precious child, born amidst an ongoing tragedy, raised in love, radiating beauty.

Sasha now 9 years old, was born in Gomel, a highly contaminated area of Belarus. She suffers from a profound case of hydrocephalus, an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the cranium. At present, this small child’s head weighs over 6 kilos and the pain of life threatening haematomas are beginning to take their toll. Early intervention, by means of the insertion of a shunt, could have greatly reduced the effects of this condition. Sadly, this procedure is common and effective here in Ireland, but in a country with less resources it is all too often not performed and many children go untreated and face a dramatically shortened life filled with hardship and hopelessness.

Sasha’s parents have fought, and continue to fight, against all odds. Their love for their precious daughter has provided the strength and nurturing environment and together with Chernobyl Children's Project International, through our hospice programme, has provided the resources to continue on and hope for a better, less painful future. CCPI Executive Director Adi Roche and Duncan Stewart on a recent visit to Belarus visited Sasha. Duncan played the clarinet and the joy and peace that beamed from her face took all the suffering out of the world for a brief time. Her response to the classical music was astonishing.

Both of Sasha’s parents alternate their jobs with her mother working during the day in a factory and while her dad works nights as a security guard to make ends meet and to ensure that Sasha receives the 24 hour care she requires. Despite all their hard work, they are in great need and are reaching out to us. We have provided them with a nurse as well as medical provisions and bandages. On a trip to Belarus in January 2006 CCPI gave a special buggy to Sasha that enables her parents to take her out for walks and has also enabled them to feed her without holding her heavy head.