2 August 2015 became the beginning of our family's worst nightmare. Our son Misha decided to ride his bike along the Health Trail. It's a common occurrence in Odessa. On weekends, you can see hundreds of cyclists there. Nothing unusual, just the easiest route, an empty road, excellent visibility, and midday. He was supposed to ride along Genuezka Street, from the cafe «Tairai» to Arcadia City and then along the Health Trail. Misha turned near «Tairai» and was riding in the right lane. Then, according to numerous eyewitnesses, they heard persistent honking from a car approaching from the direction of 10 Aprelya Square. A white Mercedes GL450 traveling parallel to Misha at very high speed attempted to pass him, but due to the high speed, it lost control and struck Misha from behind on the left. The violent impact threw the child 2 meters into the air, and then the car struck him again. Misha then fell to the pavement. His bicycle was thrown 10 at least. All of this is visible in photographs from the scene of the accident. Misha's body shattered the headlight, bent the fender and hood, and smashed the windshield with his head. There is no doubt that the driver saw Misha and could have prevented the collision. All events occurred within the area of the signs «Maximum speed limit 40 km/h» and «Caution: Children». Directly across the street is a children's cafe «Hello». Considering the damage to the bicycle, its nature and the force of the impact, as well as all the circumstances of the incident known to us, we have no doubt that the driver's guilt will be proven. As a result of this collision, Misha suffered multiple injuries, including a closed head injury, a severe hemorrhagic contusion of the brain, and a linear fracture of the occipital skull. Multiple pelvic fractures with displaced fragments, a broken clavicle, a fractured left forearm, and a fractured left tibia. Multiple lung contusions, a contused heart, and a ruptured bladder. Multiple bruises and abrasions of the soft tissues of the torso and extremities. These are the words from the diagnosis given at the hospital. In reality, when we arrived at the scene, we saw a child bleeding profusely. He was moaning and periodically screaming in pain, trying to move and lift his broken arm. He was covered in blood and bruises. His broken leg, unnaturally bent, periodically slipped off the ambulance stretcher. A massive swelling was visible on his head. I was covered in the blood of my inhumanly suffering child while I was with him in the ambulance. This was the most terrifying moment of my life; the 15 minutes it took us to reach the hospital felt like an eternity. I wouldn't wish this on anyone, not even the person who was driving that car.
At the hospital, Misha had an X-ray, a CT scan, an examination, and emergency surgery. Then we rushed him to the anesthesiology and intensive care unit. His life hung in the balance the whole time. With multiple injuries like this, it's very difficult to predict anything, including the outcome. But the little guy persevered. He survived! He managed to cope with all the suffering and pain and clung to life. 7.08.15 The decision was made to immobilize the broken leg. 10 minutes after the anesthesia, just as the surgery was about to begin, Misha's heart stopped. His exhausted body likely couldn't handle the strain. According to the doctors, he was quickly resuscitated.
Then began a difficult and painful period for him and us. Brain swelling, fractures, open wounds, catheters, probes, and more.… We were in the hospital for days at a time. Something constantly needed to be done: medications needed, specialists needed to be brought in, food needed, and household needs covered. Free healthcare in our country is very expensive. A course of antibiotics, for example, can easily cost 50 000gr. We took several. The medications are insanely expensive, with expenses of 5000gr daily. – This is the average cost. I try to collect receipts and everything else, but the flow of expenses is so overwhelming that it's hard to keep track of everything and remember everything.
When news of our grief began to spread among our friends, friends started calling us and offering to help. We decided to give them my PrivatBank account number, and if anyone wanted to help, they could. The money started coming in, and it was just in time. We are very grateful to our family, friends, acquaintances, and simply caring people for their support. These transfers have helped us significantly. Thank you, friends. I used to regularly participate in similar events and couldn't imagine that I would end up on the other side of this. In everyday life, all these things seem so far away and that it would never happen to you. But that's not true. I practically lived in intensive care for two months. Believe me, anyone could end up like that! No matter how much you worry about safety and how much you protect your child, anything can happen at any second. And believe me, help in such a situation for parents – is like a miracle, a real act of kindness that can be felt. Complete strangers sympathize with you and help… It's wonderful. Don't remain indifferent; help, and you too will be helped in this difficult time.
At the moment, Misha needs a new stage of treatment, namely early rehabilitation. Such departments simply don't exist in Ukrainian hospitals. There are no specialists or equipment. At one point, we did receive help from the wonderful doctor, Sergey Petrovich Goryshchak. But the lack of resources negated his efforts. We began looking for a clinic abroad. The most advanced hospital in the world for this problem – is the Institut Guttmann in Spain. We contacted them, and after reviewing the medical records, CT scan data, and all other medical documents, the clinic's doctors decided to treat Misha. This is Misha's chance to get out of the condition he's in and recover. Everything related to treatment abroad is very difficult for us. We need to get visas, but Misha doesn't have a civil passport and can't provide biometric data. We need to find an airline that will transport such a patient. And most importantly, we need to pay for the treatment, which is very, very expensive. One day at the clinic costs about 600 . There are also additional expenses that may arise during treatment. We were told to expect at least 800 per day. It's impossible to say how long the treatment will last. It will likely be at least a year. But we're taking this chance and will do everything possible to save our son. We're not alone; good people are helping us. And we hope we can overcome all the difficulties.
Before the accident, Misha was involved in . This is probably what helped him survive. I cooked his meals every day, counted calories, monitored his diet, and weighed him regularly. This child is everything to me, the purpose of my life. My entire life plan was built on him, on his athletic career. He dreamed of becoming a professional coach and dedicating his life to sports. His coach, Sasha Melnichenko, was his friend and role model. I'm sure he'll coach Misha again in the future! Maybe under a different, rehabilitation program, but he will!
We spent a lot of time together, going to concerts and rock festivals. We'd fool around, go to the movies, and train together. My entire life was built around my son. And now there's nothing but him. If I could take his place, take on even a little of his suffering. … If it were possible, I would, without a doubt, give my life for his recovery. But, unfortunately, that's not possible. What's required of me is something else.
Organization, securing funding, negotiations, and other measures that will help him. I'm ready to do whatever it takes. I've never asked anyone for anything in my life. Today, I'm ready to ask anyone for help, just for the sake of achieving results. Misha must recover; he's only 16 years old! He's seen so little, experienced so little joy in life.…
Carolina, Misha's mother, has been with him all this time. She's experienced what a mother shouldn't have to endure. She's the first one to arrive at the hospital and the last one to leave. She's taken on all the work of organizing food, services, care, and monitoring. She sleeps for 4 hours a day. She's shared all of Misha's suffering; it's very, very difficult. Carolina will be with him in Spain, staying by his side as long as necessary. We will stand with Misha and do everything necessary to speed up his treatment. What she's doing is hard work. Not everyone is capable of such self-sacrifice, and it deserves our deepest respect and admiration. We constantly support each other and don't let emotions interfere with our work. I have no doubt that together with her, we can overcome all difficulties.
We are using every means and means to restore our son. We will not stop.
Thank you to everyone who is participating and helping us in one way or another. Thank you, people, it's all worth it. Believe me, I know for a fact. Good comes back.
Sergey Raschenko and Kuriksha Karolina, Misha's parents.
For ways to help, see here.
13.06.2017
"A few words about the rehabilitation process. I've already mentioned many times that Misha has sessions with specialists every day, seven days a week. We've now increased the intensity of his physical therapy. In our case, «sessions» — the word isn't quite right. These are full-fledged, demanding workouts. Twice a day, from three to six hours! This is necessary and vital for our son.
Misha previously trained extensively and intensively with his trainer, Sasha Melnichenko. I really hope his body remembers all this work and, sooner or later, will recall all the movements, and Misha will be able to fully control all his muscles.
It sounds pretty simple. In reality, it's very complex and challenging. The training is truly extremely difficult. Even helping the instructor, I get very tired. Karolina is simply physically unable to do many of the exercises. But Misha manages it. He complains, even protests at times, sweats profusely, but he fights!
We use a balance trainer/stander from the German company THERA. This wonderful device allows you to verticalize a person even if they can't control their muscles, and, consequently, maintain an upright position. The BALANCE trainer allows you to do a variety of exercises. So far, we've only been working on verticalization with full support on your legs. Misha can't do this on his own yet, but he definitely will! We'll do our best to make it happen!
We use the wonderful THERA trainer thanks to bthe charitable foundation "Little Bee" and personally to Elena Pavlenko. The foundation purchased the trainer for Misha with the condition that after he recovers, we will donate the device to a future clinic where the BALANCE-trainer will be available to everyone in need.
Right now, our priority is working on our arms, verticalization, and attempts at walking. These are just the first small steps, and only with the help of an instructor. But there's more to come. I believe in the limitless potential of a young body, I believe in our assistants, and the strength of spirit of everyone who helps us.
Our work with him is yielding results. Changes, albeit subtle, are evident every day. Yesterday, he ate one more sip of porridge; today, he's following objects a little more closely. He's noticeably more active with his left arm. His leg, which had a fracture, is now a little less bothersome. We're incredibly happy with every moment and are doing everything we can to consolidate the results. We're working hard and putting in a lot of effort every day.
I'd like to point out that everyone who hasn't seen Mishka for over a month is noticing the changes. We're getting him to complete tasks more and more often. For example, turning his head, tracking objects, and moving his legs. You can see how he's trying to focus on images and sounds. He's trying to move his arms.
My son is trying to communicate with us. We're trying to get simple answers from him: — «yes» and «no». So far, the reaction is the same, and we can't figure out when the answer is yes or no. We're looking for and will definitely find a way to communicate with him.
Unfortunately, we haven't been able to convince him to eat. All our attempts have been limited to one or two spoonfuls. Obviously, that's not enough. Therefore, we can't get rid of the gastrostomy tube yet. Our doctor, Sergei Petrovich, has decided to replace it with a new one. Our surgery went well. The gastrostomy tube was replaced, and all the tests were done.
It should be noted that we tried to get a response from Misha for a long time. Initially, he didn't respond to any stimuli. He was completely indifferent to his surroundings, to sounds, and completely ignored any requests. But we didn't stop, we gave him no peace, and worked daily. We, along with our specialists, worked with our son regularly, even when it seemed there was no progress and everything was hopeless. Every day, seven days a week, from early morning until late evening. Systematically and purposefully.
Now we are slowly, step by step, moving forward. Our goal – is the complete recovery of our Misha. Even if this doesn't fit into any existing medical concept. Concepts change, after all.
This is one example of how we are trying to reach Misha. Here's the story. I asked Sasha to record a video for my son asking him to say «A». Then I showed the video to Mishka. I have no doubt he recognizes Sasha. He reacted vividly, which delighted us all. Then he carried out the request clearly and correctly. How can we say after that his brain isn't working or that he's reached his limit?! There is no limit. We need to cast aside all these outdated stereotypes and confidently move forward. That's what we're doing. We won't stop under any circumstances.
The main achievement of recent times – is following certain requests. Mishka bends and straightens his legs on command, says «A», and turns his head toward the indicated object. Just yesterday, Vanya got him to move his head up and down.
In other words, Mishka is slowly beginning to control his body. We consider this path, the path from body to brain, a priority and are working in this direction. Of course, we're exploring all options, without exception.
I don't think there's been a breakthrough yet. Everything is still ahead. But what we've already achieved – is definitely good and clearly effective. This means we're on the right track.
A few days ago, we performed an EEG on Mishka's brain. Based on the results, a customized program for the micropolarization procedure will be developed soon. This process is overseen by Dr. E. N. Krylov. The device itself was provided to us by Leonid Burdyka from Scientific and Technical Enterprise «KARE». An Odessa company developed and manufactures the device «KVADRAT», which has all the necessary certificates and licenses and has passed all inspections and tests. We'll give it a try!
The next step will be a course of high-frequency therapy with Vlada Tarasenko. This is a new technique that is now being actively used for children with various developmental disabilities, including speech. Vlada Ivanovna promises us a customized program for Misha. It's quite expensive, but I think we can handle it.
We finally got our hand splints redone (thanks to Marlen Kazaryan for his efforts). The technician did a great job, and now we can use them again. It wasn't cheap, but it was definitely worth it.
We also want to buy a device for Misha called Quell. According to the creators, it can provide pain relief without medication. The device costs 250 dollars and is sold in the US. This is a very pressing issue for us. Many of the exercises are very painful for Misha, and it would be wonderful to alleviate the pain even a little.
It's all very difficult and very expensive. We're doing our best, changing each other and supporting each other. Karolina teaches dance at the studio SALSA BUS dance studioI'm juggling several projects at once. Right now, all this is just to cover Misha's expenses. He has hand surgeries coming up. Perhaps we'll be able to travel abroad for a checkup. It's very difficult to say right now. Right now, we literally can't afford anything extra. Everything is just for our boy.
We moved a few days ago! The idea of moving Misha somewhere where he can spend as much fresh air as possible has been around for a while. Karolina has talked to me about it many times, but I was against it. Firstly, it's an additional expense, and secondly, there are a lot of conditions that the housing needs to meet. In the end, she insisted, found a home, and we moved Mishka.
I must say that Karolina was 100% right. Misha spends most of the day outside. Classes take place on the open veranda. It's wonderful. Misha has become noticeably more energetic, and the change of scenery has clearly benefited him. He's developed new abilities (see my Instagram page: @zoopersergi).
Back at the Guttmann clinic, one of the therapy methods was nature walks. We walked there for at least three hours a day. At home, in the apartment, we could only take Misha outside once a week at most. Walks took place in the parking lot! Going anywhere outdoors was extremely problematic and completely disrupted our entire work schedule. Now this problem has been solved for a while."
27.09.2016
"In June, Misha and his mother returned home. UIA and the Dobrobut medical network covered all the expenses for the move from Barcelona to Odesa. His home, his hometown, his family, and even his beloved cat are now with him.
Organizing this kind of work at home turned out to be much more difficult than I thought. I have no free time at all. Besides therapy, there's also cooking, various procedures, nonstop laundry, moving the chair/bed, and so on. I hope we can organize a well-coordinated, continuous work system, like at the Guttmann Clinic, only better!
The overall budget, including specialists, supplies, and everything else, is approximately 2000 hryvnia per day. That's quite a lot, but compared to the cost of the clinic, it seems realistic.
Currently, Misha is working with two doctors: a neurosurgeon and a neurologist. Two physiotherapists also work with him regularly. That's not all; he also needs a multisensory specialist. Unfortunately, there are practically no professionals in this field in Ukraine. For now, Sasha and I are doing this work as best we can, as we were trained at the Guttmann Clinic. Finding specialists for high-quality neurorehabilitation is generally difficult. This is a major challenge.
The daily schedule consists of 18 items, which follow one after the other from 7:00 to 22:00. Seven specialists work with us, but we have to do most of the work ourselves. Each day's schedule includes 6-7 classes. We need to prepare food, perform all the procedures, change clothes, feed, change bedding, transfer to a chair and back to bed, conduct classes and do all the planned exercises, etc. All this must be done strictly according to schedule, otherwise we won't have time to do something, and that's unacceptable.
Despite some difficulties, we've already organized quite an active work schedule with a tight schedule. All procedures and classes are taking place as planned. The apartment has become a rehabilitation center. Our entire life follows Mishka's schedule.
Of course, we understand perfectly well that doing this at home is wrong. There should be specialized, well-equipped centers with trained staff for this. But there aren't any, and we have no choice. Organizing such work, with 7 classes every day, seven days a week, is not easy. Besides, it's quite expensive and physically demanding. But we've started working and will continue! Thanks to regular exercises, we're making progress with our hands. The spasticity is slowly receding! Despite the difficulty of the situation, we're not discouraged and try to support each other. Our atmosphere is always positive and our spirits are always upbeat.
Lately, Mishka has been actively trying to speak. So far, he's making a variety of sounds, only vaguely resembling words. The very fact that he's trying is very encouraging and confirms that we're on the right track.
Overall, he's quite positive and active. That's also good.
Expenses are mounting. The supplies we brought from the Guttmann Clinic are inevitably running low, and we're looking for supplies here in Ukraine. Everything is very expensive and often of absolutely poor quality.
For more effective recovery, we need various rehabilitation equipment, which was available at the Guttmann Clinic. Unfortunately, such equipment is either unavailable or unavailable in Odessa. Let me give you an example. For joint development, we need a CPM W passive trainer.2. Such trainers are available in any rehabilitation clinic in Europe. This is very effective and reliable equipment, allowing us to solve the serious problem of contractures. In Odessa, such a trainer is available at «House with an Angel». But they work with children up to 14 years old, and our Misha is already 17 and they simply won't accept him for treatment.
There is simply no other option but to buy such a device. We reached out to people on Facebook asking for help in purchasing this equipment and another piece of equipment, a Guldmann lift. This equipment, complete with slings and accessories, costs approximately 10 000 €.
As a result, wonderful people responded to our request: Colin Boyle, a British citizen, and his wonderful wife, Victoria. They paid for Misha's equipment in full!!! This British citizen, a prosperous man far removed from our local problems, heard Misha's story and decided to help. This is truly a miracle for us!
We purchased the equipment from an authorized dealer and have already installed it and are using it! We will also officially donate it to a future rehabilitation clinic in Odessa.
Taking into account the Balance Trainer already purchased by the Charitable Foundation «Little Bee» , we have the basic equipment to begin more actively supporting our Misha in standing. In other words, we truly hope that all of these equipment will help us get him back on his feet. Of course, the equipment – is only part of the therapy, but without it, it will be ten times more difficult.
We believe that we can raise Misha, and in the future, dozens and hundreds of other children in a similar situation. If the state doesn't care about us, then we must do it ourselves."
04.04.2016
Many have probably noticed that the amount of funds raised for Misha has noticeably decreased. We would like to clarify this. Previously, the amount raised by Misha's family was added to the fund's total. However, since this money is quickly spent on the boy's treatment (clinic stay, various procedures, tests, examinations, etc.), we have decided to remove this line from the list. Now, it will only display the amount raised by the fund with your help.
From Sergey Rashchenko's letter about where and how the funds are spent:
"There is a price for a one-day stay at the clinic, which is – 600 euro. Additional services, such as CT scans, transportation, surgeries, custom orthopedic devices, etc., are not included in the stated amount. The clinic issues additional invoices for such expenses. Unfortunately, the progress of rehabilitation is often unpredictable, and it is impossible to determine the duration and nature of treatment in advance. In other words, doctors can't say exactly how much longer the treatment will take. They also don't know whether additional surgeries, functional devices (splints), etc., will be necessary.
For example, there was an urgent need for neurosurgery due to an acute hematoma that developed for unknown reasons. The surgery cost 20 451 euro and was performed at the Quiron Clinic.
Currently, we have invoices from the Guttmann and Quiron Clinics totaling approximately 160 000 euro (4 800 000 hryvnia). In Ukraine, we spent approximately 170 000 hryvnia on medications over two months, plus approximately 100 000 hryvnia in additional expenses. In total, our expenses today are approximately 5 000 000 hryvnia.
We have four sources of income. The first – is our own funds (savings, sale of personal property, earnings, etc.). The second – is assistance from individuals and organizations (money is deposited into accounts and transferred in cash). The third source – is assistance from the Charity Foundation «Little Bee». The fourth – is the collection on the American website, the fundraising platform Generosity by INDIEGOGO (www.generosity.com).
This is, in fact, the entire structure of the funds received for our Misha's treatment.
We are very grateful to everyone who has supported us over these 8 months. Thank you so much!"
11.12.2015
"Misha and his mother have returned to Guttmann. Although the surgery went well overall, recovery is difficult. The doctors and staff are attentive and caring. The previous routine of activities and procedures is gradually being restored. We are hoping for improvement. Misha is currently receiving maximum medical attention from the doctors. 24/7 monitoring.
I really want to thank everyone who helps and remembers us.Thank you very much, your contribution is very significant and valuable. I receive anonymous transfers every day. Thank you so much, friends! I believe that you will all soon see the results of our joint efforts.
We still owe money to the Institut Guttmann and now also to the Quiron Clinic. We will gradually pay it off. We hope for your support and understanding from the Spanish people."
Sergey Rashchenko
04.12.2015
"Misha's MRI revealed a large epidural hematoma. This is very dangerous. There were no obvious clinical manifestations, so the doctors didn't notice it right away. Misha was quickly taken to the Quiron Clinic in Barcelona. A decision was made to perform urgent surgery. He underwent surgery this morning. They removed 80 ml of blood. Misha tolerated the surgerywell. His condition is currently satisfactory. He will remain in intensive care until Monday. Then he will be observed for a few days and, if all goes well, will be sent back to Guttmann. We hope that the hematoma removal will truly mark the beginning of his recovery.
The cost of the surgery at the Quiron Clinic will be 20 000 euro. This is a very significant amount. Despite significant support from several good people and the foundation "Little Bee" the funding shortfall remains. If you want to help us, now is the perfect time.".
Sergey Rashchenko
05.10.2015
Half of the rehabilitation cost of 37000 euros has been paid thanks to Mikhail's family, loved ones, and friends, as well as the help of caring individuals. To pay for the full rehabilitation course ofthe same amount remains to be raised.
